Composer Jesse Lucas is returning to a piece of his musical history as Philippine Ballet Theatre (PBT) revives "Andres KKK," the contemporary ballet that became one of the earliest major breakthroughs of his career.

Originally choreographed by Gener Caringal, "Andres KKK" premiered in 1996 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Thirty years later, the production is returning to the stage under the artistic direction of Ronilo Jaynario, with Lucas' original score continuing to give life to the story of Andres Bonifacio.

The collaboration became an important milestone in Lucas' career and the beginning of a long creative partnership with Caringal. It eventually led to other ballet works, including PBT's "Sarimanok," "Darangen ni Bantugen" and "Chanted Journeys" as well as Ballet Philippines' "Darna."

HJLucas said seeing "Andres KKK" return after three decades is particularly rewarding because the work continues to connect with audiences. “With this restaging, I feel that the work has transcended time and continues to find relevance through a new generation of dancers and audiences,” he said.

Lucas was given a basic story structure by Caringal, including timestamps, and was tasked with creating the musical drama and emotional arc of the ballet. His score combined chants, indigenous instruments and synthesizers; an ambitious mix at a time when electronic technology was still relatively new.

One of his most rewarding moments came when he finally saw Caringal's choreography. “As a composer, you begin with only your imagination and your musical ideas,” Lucas said. “To finally see those ideas translated into movement by strong dancers is a very fulfilling experience.” Now, a new generation of dancers gets to interpret that same music.

For Lucas, "Andres KKK" is not simply a work about the past. Its themes remain relevant to Filipinos today. “The themes of Bonifacio; love of country, courage, and standing up for what is right, remain relevant today,” he said.

He hopes younger audiences will see parallels between Bonifacio's struggle and present-day issues, particularly the continuing tension between those in power and those fighting for justice and country.

Lucas also sees music as an important part of preserving that history. “Music serves as a historical marker,” he said, explaining that music often reflects the social movements and emotions of the period in which it was created.

A multi-awarded composer, Lucas has written music for film, television, theater and dance, working with leading Philippine arts groups including Tanghalang Pilipino, Dulaang UP, Ballet Philippines and PBT. His awards include the Gawad Urian, FAMAS, Aliw, Gawad Tanglaw and Young Critics Circle.

He won Best Music at the 2005 Screamfest International Film Festival in Los Angeles and was inducted into the FAMAS Hall of Fame for Best Music in 2010.

Lucas will attend the special Andres KKK performances this August to watch, support and celebrate the new production. For him, the revival is a reminder that music and the stories it helps tell can outlive the moment they were created for.

Thirty years after its debut, Andres KKK is getting another chance to speak to Filipino audiences, this time through the movements of a new generation of dancers and the enduring sound of Jesse Lucas.