‘Dancing in a New World’ by Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group to be Staged this August
The Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group (ROFG) is set to stage Dancing in a New World this August, a new dance production that explores new borders in the presentation of the dances and rituals of the folk and indigenous Filipinos.
Inspired by the research and the staging innovations of the company’s founder, National Artist for Dance, Ramon Arevalo Obusan, the dance masters he mentored will present a new repertoire that addresses crucial issues that all folk dance companies must address in these changing times. The new works presented here incorporate the concepts of Inclusivity, Empowerment, Cultural Appropriation, and Representation in the staging and interpretation of Obusan’s research.
Directed by playwright and director Floy Quintos, the program will also serve as an artistic platform for the visions of ROFG senior dancers Jhunnard Jhordan Cruz, Lyle Eymard Villahermosa, Marciano Viri, and Cherry Ylanan-Villanueva, who were mentored by the late National Artist. Their new works pay homage to their mentor’s research and body of work, while expanding the company’s repertoire.
Much like Obusan’s series entitled Unpublished Dances, this production hopes to explore how Obusan’s research can be translated into accessible and engaging performances created by the aforementioned choreographers. Their vision aims to take the company and all that Obusan’s work represents into the future.
In partnership with the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the show is set to run from August 18, 8pm and August 19, 3pm and 8pm 2023 at the Metropolitan Theatre. Ticket prices are P500 (orchestra center), P400 (orchestra sides), and P300 (balcony). 20% for Students with ID (retails), government employees, senior citizens, and PWD. 50% group discount for a minimum of 100 tickets. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketworld.
Founded in 1972 by the late National Artist, Ramon Arevalo Obusan, the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group has been known for its dance research and for its preservation of our nation’s dance and cultural heritage. For the past five decades, it has documented and performed the dances, music and rituals of more than 50 ethno-linguistic groups in the country. It was while conducting his research that Ramon Arevalo Obusan met and collaborated with key individuals from these ethno-linguistic groups.
With more than twenty full-length Filipino dance works, among which are suites from the Cordillera, the Muslim and the indigenous tribes, the ROFG has continuously served to highlight the authenticity of the movements, music, songs and dances of these people. They have recently focused on dance education to be able to pass on its artistry to the next generation of artists and cultural workers.
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