‘Rama, Hari’ Goes to Visayas this October

‘Rama, Hari’ Goes to Visayas this October

National Artist for Dance Alice Reyes’ Filipino rock-opera-ballet, Rama, Hari is set to tour the Visayas this October.

Following runs in 2023 and 2024, with performances at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater and at the Metropolitan Theater, the production is set to be staged at Siliman University’s Claire Isabel McGill Luce Auditorium in Dumaguete on October 5-6 and at the Univeristy of St. La Salle Coliseum in Bacolod on October 11 and 12.

Inspired by the Hindu epic Ramayana, Rama, Hari is a collaboration of artists from different disciplines, five of whom went on to become National Artists: Alice Reyes (concept, direction and choreography), Ryan Cayabyab (music), Salvador Bernal (set and costume design), Bienvenido Lumbera (libretto) and Rolando Tinio (English translation).

The touring production features the dancers of Alice Reyes Dance Philippines (ARDP), with Ejay Arisola reprising his role as Rama, paired with Monica Gana as Sita and Erl Sorilla as Lakshmana. Regisseur Lester Reguindin takes on the role of the evil Ravana, paired with Sarah Alejandro as Soorpanakha. John Ababon reprises his role as King Dasaratha, Micha Carreon as Kooni, Karla Santos as Kaikeyi, Krislynne Buri as Gintong Usa, and Renzen Arboleda as Hanuman.

Reprising their roles and taking on new characters as the singing counterparts to the cast of ARDP dancers are musical theater artists from the 2024 run, including Arman Ferrer as Rama, Shiela Valerrama-Martinez as Sita and Kaikeyi, Jonel Mojica as Ravana, Audie Gemora as King Dasaratha, Marynor Madamesila as Kooni, Soorpanakha, and Gintong Usa, and Jon Abella as Lakshmana and Hanuman. 

The touring production will also feature the local participation of select students who will undergo training, with workshops facilitated by ARDP’s roster of teachers and rehearsal masters.

Rama, Hari’s Visayan Tour is made possible by Siliman University President Dr. Betty Cernol McCann, Director Diomar Abrio, the Siliman University Culture and Arts Council, and TESDA Director General Congressman Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez, with the support of the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Professional Artist Support Program and Senator Pia Cayetano.

For tickets:

• Dumaguete: Book online at sillimanucac.com or email cac@su.edu.ph. Call (0915) 052 0912 or (035) 420 1901 loc. 522.
• Bacolod: Ticket information to be announced soon.