Ballet Philippines presents ‘Giselle’ fund-raising gala

MANILA, Philippines - Ballet Philippines announces the return of Giselle from Sept. 19 to 21 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (Main Theater).           

Touted as one of ballet’s greatest, Giselle is a classical romantic tragedy of loss, forgiveness, and love beyond death. Giselle’s story is a familiar one: two men are in love with her, but she chooses to surrender her heart to Albrecht, the suave newcomer who, as Giselle later finds out, is engaged to be married.

Ignoring her own suspicions and the well-meaning advice of Hilarion, her other suitor, Giselle eventually discovers the truth and ultimately, her heartbreak results in her demise. Yet she chooses to forgive her lover and save his life.

Restaged by Nonoy Froilan, the Philippines’ premier danseur, Giselle starts off the “Blue Moon Series,” a two-week mini festival celebrating Ballet Philippines’ sapphire milestone.

Fresh from their recently concluded performances in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia are guest artists from the American Ballet Theater soloist Stella Abrera and principal dancer James Whiteside essaying the roles of Giselle and Albrecht, respectively.

Abrera and Whiteside perform on the Sept. 19 fund-raising gala featuring live accompaniment by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Olivier Ochanine.

Ballet Philippines principal dancers Katherine Trofeo and Jean Marc Cordero, as well as newly promoted soloist Denise Parungao and junior principal dancer Earl John Arisola, will reprise their roles of Giselle and Albrecht for the other four shows in the production’s one-weekend run.

The production also features Mailes Kanapi as Berthe, Giselle’s mother, with Nonoy Froilan and Butch Esperanza alternating as the Duke of Courland, as well as Carissa Adea, Richardson Yadao, Rita Angela Winder, Ma. Celina Dofitas, with Ballet Philippines’ company members, apprentices, and scholars.

The 2013 restaging of Giselle earned recognition at the Philstage Gawad Buhay awards, winning the trophies for Outstanding Ensemble Performance for Classical Dance, Male Lead Performance in Classical Dance for Jean Marc Cordero, and Female Featured Performance in Classical Dance for Rita Winder.

 Giselle will be performed at the CCP Main Theater on Sept. 19, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., Sept. 20, 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., and on Sept. 21 at 2 PM.

For bulk reservations, show buys, and inquiries, visit www.ballet.ph or call Ballet Philippines at 551-1003. For tickets, call the CCP Box Office at 832-3704 or Ticketworld at 891-9999.