Philippine Ballet Theatre Revives ‘Andres KKK’ This August

Philippine Ballet Theatre Revives ‘Andres KKK’ This August

Philippine Ballet Theatre (PBT), the National Performing Arts Company for Dance, is set to revive Gener Caringal’s Andres KKK.

First staged in 1996 to commemorate the centennial of the Philippine Revolution, Andres KKK, with a libretto by Lilia Quindoza Santiago and an original score by Jesse Lucas, has become one of Caringal’s signature works. It remains one of PBT’s most widely toured productions and is considered a rite of passage for generations of the company’s dancers.

Asked why he believes the ballet has stood the test of time, Artistic Director Ronilo Jaynario said, “PBT’s version of history is not just pages of history in dance. It is a touching tribute to the struggles of the Filipino.”

Jaynario himself portrayed Andres Bonifacio when the ballet premiered in 1996. He recalls that Caringal’s interpretation focuses not on Bonifacio as an untouchable icon or invincible warrior, but on the man behind the monument. His Bonifacio struggles, questions, sacrifices, and ultimately perseveres. He is defined not by superhuman strength but by an unwavering belief in his people and their shared dream of freedom.

Through the revival, PBT says it “…hopes to cultivate nationalism, empower the common man, and awaken the spirit of what it means to be a nation.”

Caringal describes his Bonifacio as a product of poverty, suffering, and love for country. In his interpretation, Bonifacio’s greatest strength comes not from standing above the people but from standing among them. They were all heroes of their time, with Bonifacio serving as the symbol of their resolve.

Stepping into the title role are Matthew Davo and Dominador Delmo as Andres Bonifacio, while Jessa Tangalin and Sophia Tiangco alternate as Gregoria “Oryang” de Jesus.

Davo previously portrayed Bonifacio during the company’s 2019 international tour. He recalled performing the ballet at San Francisco’s McKenna Theater, where audiences praised the production and the artistry of Filipino dancers.

“This ballet is very important to me, and I want to take pride in it—not just abroad, but here in our own country as well. It is very important for Filipinos—especially children—to watch this, so they may learn and never forget how our heroes fought for our freedom.”

Delmo describes portraying Bonifacio as both an honor and a responsibility. Preparing for the role has meant studying Bonifacio’s life while undergoing rigorous physical training.

“Upang mapaghandaan ang tungkuling ito, masusi kong pinag-aaralan ang buhay ni Bonifacio habang sumasailalim sa matinding pisikal na paghahanda. I need to understand his struggles para maisalin sa ballet ang lalim at bigat ng kanyang kuwento.”

For Delmo, Bonifacio is “the voice of the masses.” Every step, leap, and fall on stage, he says, must convey the conviction of a man who inspired a revolution.

Both Tangalin and Tiangco believe the production continues to resonate with contemporary audiences.

Tiangco sees Bonifacio’s legacy as a reminder that freedom cannot be achieved by a single hero but through collective action.

“His story stands as a timeless reminder that real freedom cannot survive without rising above personal interests for the greater good. When we fight among ourselves, we lose. Understanding Bonifacio’s legacy reminds us that true freedom cannot survive without national unity.”

Tangalin says portraying Oryang requires both historical respect and emotional honesty. She adds that Caringal has encouraged the cast to understand not only the choreography but also the intention behind each movement.

“The mere act of taking on Oryang’s role—of confronting death, failure, torture—leaves you humbled. You feel the pain of those who fought before us. It somehow stays with you after rehearsals, the glimpse of the past. Yet the ballet does not end in despair. It ends with unity becoming their armor, and that is what stays with me. It reminds me that even in our darkest moments, there is always hope.”

As PBT revives Andres KKK, the cast hopes audiences leave with a renewed appreciation for the values Bonifacio stood for: service before self, courage in the face of uncertainty, and love of country.

Andres KKK runs at the Rockwell Proscenium Theater on August 22 at 3 PM and 7 PM, and August 23 at 3 PM. Tickets are priced at ₱3,000 (Orchestra) and ₱2,000 (Dress Circle) and are available through TicketWorld. For ticket inquiries, call 0968-870-8887.