‘KENKOY’ Reimagines Iconic Filipino Comic Character Through Dance This September
Alice Reyes Dance Philippines (ARDP), in partnership with Areté, is set to stage KENKOY, a new contemporary dance production inspired by Tony Velasquez’s iconic Filipino comic character, from September 18 to 26 at Hyundai Hall, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University.
Created in the 1920s, Kenkoy was conceived as a caricature of the “Filipino modern youth”: funny, clumsy, often misguided, but charming and resilient. The new work reimagines the character through contemporary dance, exploring identity, colonial influence, humor, and resilience.
Stepping out of Velasquez’s comic strip and into old Manila, the production follows Kenkoy as he navigates his relationship with Rosing and contends with Tirso, a heavily Americanized suitor. Kenkoy’s attempts to measure up to Western standards eventually lead him into an American carnival, where the spectacle forces him to confront what his imitation of the West has cost him. The story ultimately looks at Kenkoy’s identity and legacy across generations of Filipino popular culture.
Renzen Arboleda and Ejay Arisola alternate as Kenkoy, while Monica Gana and Francia Alejandro alternate as Rosing. Danilo Dayo plays Binong, with Darylle Odejar and James Galarpe alternating as Tirso.
The cast also includes Erl Sorilla and John Ababon alternating as the Ringmaster and Puppet Master; Francia Alejandro and Monica Gana alternating as the Vaudeville Lead; Cielo Inday, Darylle Odejar, Francine Beltran, and Dustin Igares as the Giants; Ejay Arisola and Renzen Arboleda alternating as the Male Puppet; Krislynne Buri as the Female Puppet; Francia Alejandro, Monica Gana, Krislynne Buri, Cielo Inday, and Francine Beltran in the Vaudeville ensemble; James Galarpe, Noeh Polinar, and Dustin Igares as the Monkeys; and Cheska Vasallo, Karen Audal, and Audrice Narrajos in both the Vaudeville ensemble and as the Monkeys. The corps consists of Krislynne Buri, Francia Alejandro, Monica Gana, Cielo Inday, Francine Beltran, Cheska Vasallo, Karen Audal, and Audrice Narrajos.
KENKOY is directed and choreographed by ARDP artistic director Ronelson Yadao, with music composed by Krina Cayabyab, libretto by Guelan Varela-Luarca, set and lighting by D Cortezano, projection by Joyce Garcia, and dramaturgy by Jerry Respeto.
The program also features three works performed before KENKOY: Holberg Suite, Soliloquy, and Somewhere.
Holberg Suite
Choreographed by Adam Sage, Holberg Suite is a neoclassical work set to the music of Edvard Grieg. The piece unfolds in three movements, beginning with the fast-paced “Praeludium,” followed by the more expressive “Air,” and concluding with the lively “Rigaudon.”
The cast features Monica Gana, Ejay Arisola, Erl Sorilla, James Galarpe, Darylle Odejar, Krislynne Buri, Francia Alejandro, Renzen Arboleda, John Ababon, Dustin Igares, Cielo Inday, Francine Beltran, Noeh Polinar, and Danilo Dayo.
Soliloquy
Soliloquy, choreographed by Norman Walker, is performed by Danilo Dayo.
Somewhere
Choreographed by Lester Reguindin, Somewhere is inspired by Max Richter’s recomposition of Vivaldi’s Summer. The work explores movement through space, time, and the fleeting present, responding to the music through movement and sensation.
The piece features Ejay Arisola, Renzen Arboleda, Erl Sorilla, John Ababon, James Galarpe, Darylle Odejar, Dustin Igares, Noeh Polinar, Danilo Dayo, Monica Gana, Krislynne Buri, Francia Alejandro, Cielo Inday, Francine Beltran, Cheska Vasallo, Karen Audal, and Audrice Narrajos.
Performances are scheduled on September 18 at 7:30 PM; September 19 at 2 PM and 6 PM; September 20 at 2 PM; September 25 at 6 PM; and September 26 at 2 PM and 6 PM at Hyundai Hall, Areté. Tickets are priced at ₱1,200 for Orchestra and ₱800 for Balcony and are available through Areté’s HelixPay ticketing page.
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