DANCE AND CONTEMPORARY ART COLLIDE IN BALLET PHILIPPINES’ “OPERA” ON FEBRUARY 13-16

DANCE AND CONTEMPORARY ART COLLIDE IN BALLET PHILIPPINES’ “OPERA” ON FEBRUARY 13-16

Enter the world of Gabriel Barredo’s acclaimed creation in Ballet Philippines’ season ender, “Opera”. This production brings a synergy between artists and art forms, with French choreographer Redha transforming the groundbreaking installation into a contemporary ballet premiering at the CCP Main Theater on February 13 & 14, with a Fundraising Gala on February 16 at 8:00PM.

Contemporary art in the “Opera”

The original “Opera” exhibition was first presented at Silverlens Galleries in January 2015, and was recently toured to Singapore last November in time with the opening celebrations of the National Gallery Singapore. For the ballet, Barredo is creating a staggering array of new sculptures, which will comprise the production’s set design.

Redha’s choreography will guide us along a journey into a new experience of art. Envisioning his dancers on bare feet, pointe shoes, and stilettos, he is set to present a work that is stimulating, sensual, and groundbreaking. “Being part of this production is a great thrill for me,” shares Redha. “Meeting Gabby [Barredo] and seeing his work up close was very inspiring.”

“’Opera’ is shaping up to be one of the most innovative productions that Ballet Philippines has produced in a long time,” muses BP’s Artistic Director, Paul Alexander Morales. “We invite everyone to support it and to catch its limited performance run.”

Barredo’s installation evokes an opening up, inviting us to view the body itself, asking us to confront the mortality of the corpse, to contemplate upon its passing and empathize if not make sense of its beauty. The libretto explores a man’s journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and rebirth.

The masters and their distinct artistry

Gabriel Barredo studied Advertising at the University of Santo Tomas. His 30-foot installation entitled Asphalt was one of the highlights of the inaugural Art Fair Philippines in 2013. His awards and recognitions include: the gold medal at the Art Association of the Philippines (AAP) Annual Competition in 1981 and 1982; the gold medal at the Metrobank Foundation Annual Art Competition in 1985; the 1st Grand Prize at the Philippine Art Awards (1994); and, the Juror’s Choice at the ASEAN Art Awards held in Singapore in 1994.

Based in France, Redha has choreographed for several of the world’s leading dance companies such as the Bolshoi Ballet, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, The National Ballet of Cuba, Le Jeune Ballet de France, The Het Nationale Ballet, and the San Francisco Ballet. He has had his own dance company since 1981 and nowadays literally works all over the world, from Africa and Europe to the Americas and Asia. He has created choreographies for feature films of Costa Gavras, Roman Polanski, Alain Delon and Francis Ford Coppola.

The cast of “Opera”

The cast of “Opera” is led by Victor Maguad and Erl Sorilla as the Twins, Carissa Adea as the Mother, Denise Parungao as Death, Jean Marc Cordero as the Watcher, and Earl John Arisola as the Creation.

 

 

 

 

 

Presented by Ballet Philippines and Silverlens, “Opera” features a libretto by Yvette Tan and Erwin Romulo, original music by Malek Lopez, lighting design by John Batalla, and costumes by James Reyes. This production is in cooperation with the Embassy of France.

“Opera” will be staged at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater) on February 13 & 14 at 1:00PM and 6:00PM, with a Fundraising Gala on February 16 at 8:00PM. For inquiries, visit www.ballet.ph, send an email to info@ballet.ph, or call Ballet Philippines at 551-1003. For tickets and reservations, call the CCP Box Office at 832-3704 or Ticketworld at 891-9999.

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For more details about what’s happening in the Manila theater scene, please view our Theater Calendar.