National Artist for Dance Agnes Locsin's "Encantada" returns to the stage this coming April, well-timed for the upcoming Earth Month. The show is a collaboration between Agnes, Joey Ayala for the music, Al Santos for the libretto, and fellow National Artist Salvador Bernal (of hallowed memory) for production design.
Georgette Sanchez-Vargas as the Encantada (Photo by Darrell Sicam)
At the media press conference at Rafael's Tapas Bar and Restaurant in Newport Mall, media representatives and artists got the chance to chat with the Encantada team.
“Agnes Locsin’s 'Encantada' is not just dance for the sake of dancing, but in truth it stands on solid research where Philippine history, folk religion, traditions, and practices are painted into the creation of the whole. Adding to that, this showcases the uniqueness of her movements which she herself conceived in creating her own dance genre - the neo-ethnic style," shared Tats Manahan, President of the Alice Reyes Dance Philippines (ARDP).
Carissa Adea as Babaylan Encantada (Photo by Darrell Sicam)
Tats also discussed how "Encantada" strives to bring awareness to the consequences of man's disregard for nature and its conservation.
"Thematically, she touches on many themes but most especially, the destruction of the environment; an issue that is still relevant to this day, 31 years after she conceived this masterpiece. It’s well worth a re-staging as well as a re-watching. It’s a learning curve for the younger generation.”
The Babaylan and Estranghero (Joey Ayala and Wendy Panganiban)
"Encantada" premiered at the Philippine stage in February 1992. At the press conference, Agnes herself explained the genesis of her famed show.
The Cast of Encantada after the premiere performance in February 1992 with CCP officials, National Artists Lucrecia Kasilag and Leandro Locsin, and the creative team
“Encantada was the brainchild of Al Santos. Our threesome, Al Santos, Joey Ayala, and myself, was a given prior to the conception of Encantada. We had first collaborated in a rock opera back in 1977 at the Ateneo De Davao. In 1991, we decided to come up with another major project. It was also a given that the new work will tackle environmental issues. Al came up with Encantada. Joey and I agreed and Al, being the writer, started with making the libretto and the lyrics. Thereafter, Joey composed, then I choreographed,” said Agnes.
The 2011 production of Encantada (Photo by Darrell Sicam)
The show is presented by the Metropolitan Theater, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and the Carmen D. Locsin Foundation. "Encantada" was last stage in 2011, and garnered 10 Gawad Buhay Awards, including Best Modern Dance Production, Best Choreography, Best Musical Composition, Best Production Design, and Best Lighting Design.
John Neil Batalla, who helmed the lighting in the last production, notably returns to light the 2023 Production.
Other citations include Georgette Sanchez-Vargas for Female Lead Performance and Carissa Adea for Female Featured Performance. Both of them will reprise their award-winning roles for the current 2023 production.
National Artist for Dance Agnes Locsin
Also joining the cast is Kris-Belle Paclibar-Mamangun, am acclaimed Filipino Dancer and former member of Cirque du Soleil, who will be alternating the role of Babaylan with Carissa Adea.
"Encantada" featuring artists of CCP’s Professional Artist Support Program and Alice Reyes Dance Philippines runs from April 14-15, 2023 at the Samsung Theater and April 21-22 at the Metropolitan Theater, with evening shows at 7:30 PM and matinees at 2:00 PM. All evening shows will have live music performed by Joey Ayala and Ang Bagong Lumad with the Philippines’ World Music Siren, Bayang Barrios.
Show Schedule:
April 14, 2023 | Friday | 7:30 p.m. | Samsung Performing Arts Theater*
April 15, 2023 | Saturday | 2:00 p.m. | Samsung Performing Arts Theater
April 15, 2023 | Saturday | 7:30 p.m. | Samsung Performing Arts Theater*
April 21, 2023 | Friday | 7:30 p.m. | Metropolitan Theater*
April 22, 2023 | Saturday | 2:00 p.m. | Metropolitan Theater
April 22, 2023 | Saturday | 7:30 p.m. | Metropolitan Theater*
*With live music performed by Joey Ayala and Ang Bagong Lumad with Bayang Barrios.
Future Shows:
- "Ramahari" by Alice Reyes
- Sept. 15-16 and 22-23, 2023
- "Carmen and other spirits," a mixed bill featuring "Carmen" by Alice Reyes and new works by young Filipino choreographers
- Oct. 20-21 and 27-28, 2023
- "Puso ng Pasko," the celebration of Paskong Pinoy
- Dec. 1-2 and 22, 2023
Subscribe to ARDP’s 2023 Dance Season and celebrate the best of Filipino artistry and talent! For season subscriptions and ticket reservations, email: [email protected]. For more information, check @ARDancePh on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.