Gerardo Francisco Jr., a passionate advocate of teaching valuable life lessons to the younger generation through powerful visual storytelling, is set to restage his award-winning production, Ibong Adarna, on August 19 and 20, 2023, at the Aliw Theater, marking the conclusion of Ballet Manila’s 25th performance season.
In an era where diverse cultures intersect, Francisco Jr. believes that it is crucial to remind today’s generation about their core Filipino identity and the cherished values that define our culture. Ibong Adarna, a timeless Filipino literary classic, centers around a mythical bird with a healing voice. The story follows three princes on a quest to find the bird to cure their ailing father. Along the way, the tale unfolds with lessons on forgiveness, love of family, and the triumph of goodness over evil.
For Francisco Jr., the retelling of Ibong Adarna holds significant importance in preserving Filipino culture. He emphasizes that sharing this story with younger audiences is essential to keep it alive for future generations, preventing it from being forgotten and buried in the past.
Ballet Manila’s restaging of Ibong Adarna has garnered numerous accolades since its premiere in 2017. With each new performance, Francisco Jr. feels challenged to make it even more magnificent than before. He urges his dancers to give their all and dance from the heart, reminding them of the profound impact a single performance can have on the audience.
Despite the pressures, Francisco Jr. is committed to upholding his standards for the production. The 2023 staging is the touring version performed at the Karmiel Festival in Israel in 2018, and adjustments due to the pandemic have led to some dancers taking on multiple roles. The set design transitions to a digital format, utilizing state-of-the-art LED screens at the Aliw Theater.
Throughout the changes, the heart of Ibong Adarna remains intact, telling a beautiful and timeless story that resonates with people of all ages. Francisco Jr. and Ballet Manila’s founder, artistic director, and CEO, Lisa Macuja Elizalde, share the desire for the audience to leave the theater having learned valuable lessons and eager to share the captivating story with others.
The previous performances of Ibong Adarna, choreographed by Francisco Jr., received critical acclaim and various awards, further solidifying its place as an outstanding production in the dance world.
Don’t miss the chance to witness this powerful and enchanting retelling of the Filipino classic, Ibong Adarna, at the Aliw Theater in Pasay City on August 19 at 8:00 p.m. and August 20 at 5:00 p.m.
For tickets, visit www.ticketworld.com.ph. To stay updated on Ballet Manila and its upcoming shows, visit www.balletmanila.com.ph.
