Ballet Manila to Stage Full-Length ‘Paquita’ This June
Ballet Manila is set to stage a full-length production of Paquita this June, choreographed by the company’s founder and artistic director, Lisa Macuja Elizalde. The production marks the first time a full-length version of the classical ballet will be staged in the Philippines.
A cornerstone of the classical ballet repertoire, Paquita is rarely performed in its entirety. For Macuja Elizalde, the ballet’s dramatic storyline makes it especially accessible to Filipino audiences. She describes the narrative as “quite like a soap opera, with twists and turns that are amusing and entertaining which is perfect for Filipinos who love a great story or telenovela.”
Set in Spain, Paquita follows a young Romani woman who saves the life of a French officer, Lucien, from an assassination plot orchestrated by a governor. Along the way, she discovers her noble heritage, allowing the couple to overcome social barriers and marry.
The path to Ballet Manila’s full-length production began in March 2025, when the ballet’s grand divertissement was presented during the company’s Pearl Gala celebration. The excerpt inspired Macuja Elizalde to explore the complete work.
“When I finally read it in full, I decided that it would be exciting and perfectly manageable to present a two-act classical ballet to the Filipino audience,” she said.
While honoring the ballet’s classical roots, Macuja Elizalde chose not to watch existing productions as she developed her version.
“I started to build the ballet chapter by chapter in my head,” she explained. “But the actual creation didn’t happen until I was in the studio in front of the dancers.”
She added that Ballet Manila’s strong Russian ballet training and 40-member ensemble have made the ambitious production possible.
Principal dancers Abigail Oliveiro and Joshua Enciso will alternate in the roles of Paquita and Lucien with soloists Shamira Drapete and Jos David Andes.
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For Oliveiro, working with Macuja Elizalde on the title role has been both rewarding and collaborative.
“It is always a good experience, and she is very clear in what she wants while keeping an open mind,” Oliveiro shared. “I try to listen and observe what Ma’am Lisa wants from the ballet, character, or scene so I can understand her vision and fulfill it.”
The role has also allowed Oliveiro to explore a different side of her artistry.
“I realized I had to tap into my more playful side which, dare I say, is not a common theme in a lot of my repertoire,” she added. “So I’m certainly enjoying being playful.”
Macuja Elizalde hopes audiences will connect with both the story and the technical virtuosity of the production.
“I hope the audience will laugh at the comedic scenes and swoon in the romantic ones; as well as stand up and scream during the technically difficult portions! I hope the audience comes out of the theater smiling and humming the music.”
Paquita runs on June 19 at 8 p.m. and June 20 and 21 at 5 p.m. at the Aliw Theater. Tickets are priced at P2,060 (Center) and P1,030 (Sides), and are available through TicketWorld.
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