Ballet Philippines Caps 48th Season with ‘Don Quixote’
Ending the season with a flourish, Ballet Philippines stages the lively classic Don Quixote on February 9-18, 2018 at the CCP Main Theater.
Taken from an episode of Miguel de Cervantes’ tale, the ballet follows the lofty adventures of Don Quixote into Barcelona. Here, he meets Kitri, an innkeeper’s daughter whom he thinks is his ladylove Dulcinea. Kitri, in turn, is enamored by Basilio, the poor local barber of whom her father doesn’t approve. Mayhem ensues as the gentleman from La Mancha unwittingly helps the two lovers have their happy ending.
Don Quixote is a great show for those who are watching ballet for the first time. A light and fun story, it is considered as ballet’s rom-com. But it is also perfect for die-hard balletomanes, who will surely look out for Don Q’s signature leaps, dizzying turns and death-defying lifts.
A special treat that audiences will delight in is international Guest Artist Joseph Gatti, who will perform on special gala nights. Mr. Gatti is a former principal dancer with Cincinnati Ballet and Corella Ballet. The winner of various prestigious international ballet competitions including the New York International Ballet Competition and World Ballet Competition, Mr. Gatti has been invited to perform as a guest principal artist in companies and in international ballet galas in the USA, South America, Japan, Europe and Russia. He will partner BP’s resident guest artist Candice Adea while the Manila Symphony Orchestra will play live, conducted by Jeffrey Solares.
Joseph Gatti in Le Corsaire
Candice Adea as Kitri; photo by Jojo Mamangun
The regisseur (restager) of the ballet is Adam Sage, who returns to BP as its Associate Artistic Director and Ballet Master. Mr. Sage has performed, taught, coached and choreographed in four continents for nearly three decades. After his stint with BP in 1981 to 1983, he danced with Ballet West, Ballet Memphis, Hong Kong Ballet, and National Dance Company of Boputhatswana in South Africa. He also founded and served as artistic director of Missouri Ballet Theatre.
Aside from Mr. Gatti and Ms. Adea, the principal roles of Kitri and Basilio will be portrayed by BP company members Jemima Reyes, Monica Gana, Victor Maguad and Ian Ocampo.
Jemima Reyes as Kitri; photo by Chris Yuhico
Monica Gana as Kitri; photo by Jojo Mamangun
Catch this special run of Don Quixote on February 9-18, 2018 at the CCP Main Theater. Special Gala Nights with Mr. Gatti and the MSO are on February 9, 8pm and February 10, 7pm.
