Ballet Manila presents new ‘Lola Basyang’ showcase

MANILA, Philippines - Ballet Manila presents three new enchanting tales from Philippine literature’s most iconic storyteller when it opens its 18th season next month with Tatlo Pang Kuwento ni Lola Basyang.

This is the much-awaited follow-up to its all-Filipino extravaganza Tatlong Kuwento ni Lola Basyang which premiered in 2008 and has since become a blockbuster seen by over a hundred thousand viewers.

Based on Anvil Publishing’s Ang Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang ni Severino Reyes, the new production will have its world premiere on Aug. 23, 7:30 p.m., at Aliw Theater, CCP Complex, Pasay City. Other shows are set on: Aug. 24 and 31, 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.; Aug. 25, 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.; and Sept. 1, 7 and 8, 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Co-presented by Manila Broadcasting Company and Aliw Theater in cooperation with Anvil Publishing Inc., and the support of Star City and Ticketworld, Tatlo Pang Kuwento ni Lola Basyang will once again feature value-laden tales using original choreography and Filipino music as well as colorful sets and costumes.

“We’re happy to bring back Lola Basyang, who is one of the most beloved characters in Philippine literature, with more stories that are sure to captivate young audiences,” says prima ballerina and Ballet Manila artistic director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde.

Featured are the following stories as retold by Christine Bellen who also wrote the continuity script: Ang Palasyo ng mga Duwende, illustrated by Albert Gamos, choreographed by Gerardo Francisco with collaborators Naomi Jaena and Romeo Peralta, and Diwa De Leon as composer/ musical arranger; Labindalawang Masasayang Prinsesa, illustrated by Abi Goy, choreographed by Lisa Macuja-Elizalde with collaborators Francis Jaena, Rudy De Dios and Sofia Peralta, and Arnold Buena as composer/ musical arranger; and Anting-Anting, illustrated by Hubert Fucio, choreographed by Osias Barroso with collaborator Michael Divinagracia, and Juan Carlo Magsalin as composer/ musical arranger.

Veteran TV actress and radio talent Luz Fernandez returns as Lola Basyang, who together with the young girl Ate Missy portrayed by Missy Elizalde, will be weaving the three stories together.

Stage direction is by Roxanne Lapus, costume design by Michael Miguel, lighting design by Jaime Villanueva and production design by Jonathan Janolo.

“Lola Basyang is timeless. I truly believe that if these ballet trilogies will be restaged a decade from now, they will still be a hit!” enthuses Osias Barroso, Ballet Manila co-artistic director.

Tatlo Pang Kuwento ni Lola Basyang is sponsored by Pride Powder, First United Travel, Ralph’s Wines and Spirits and Island Rose.

For tickets and other inquiries, call Ballet Manila at 525-5967 or 400-0292, or Ticketworld at 891-9999 or visit ticketworld.com.ph.