Lisa Macuja-Elizalde returns to Carmen in BM 21

March 19, 2016, 8:00 PM

Aliw Theater

CCP Complex, Pasay City

Lisa Macuja-Elizalde returns to Carmen in BM 21 – A Ballet Concert happening this March 19, 2016, 8:00 PM at the Aliw Theater. The closing production of Ballet Manila’s 20^th season, BM 21 will feature three pieces The Kingdom of the Shades from Act 3 of La Bayadere, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa’s Bloom and Eric V. Cruz’ Carmen with Lisa dancing the lead title role.

My first encounter with La Bayadere was way back in the 1990’s and even though this was more than two decades ago, I can still remember the part of The Kingdom of the Shades where the female corps de ballet, the shades, make their entrance. After this number, I doubt that anyone in the audience will not know what an arabesque is. The Russian Vaganova method that Ballet Manila espouses will be put to the fore in this piece from La Bayadere.

Since its debut back in 2015's Ballet Manila 2.0, Bloom by choreographer Annabelle Lopez Ochoa has fast become one of the company’s signature pieces. Set to the music of Philip Glass’ Violin Concerto No. 1, Bloom will showcase more contemporary moves by the male members of the company. I have yet to a performance of this and BM 21 is giving me (and those who still haven't had the opportunity or just want to see it again) another chance to do so.

Carmen by Eric V. Cruz marks Lisa Macuja-Elizalde’s return to a lead title role after her Swan Song Series. The role of Carmen, a feisty and sensual gypsy who jumps from one lover to another, is a departure from her prim and proper image as the country’s most popular ballerina. Portraying Don Jose will be Lisa’s perennial dance partner Rudy de Dios. And while it will be a definite treat to see Lisa dancing Carmen once again, I also look forward to seeing Rudy’s solo in the La fleur que tu m'avais jetée aka the Flower song that had me mesmerized when I saw this production a few years back. I bet that the music by Georges Bizet/Rodion Shchedrin would be very familiar to those who will see this.

Ballet Manila is set to wrap up their 20^th season with a show that seems to look back to the past with classic standards like La Bayadere and Carmen, and also to the present with the more recent Bloom. And since the show is billed as BM 21, it is also look towards the company's future. After this, I await with anticipation what CEO/Artistic Director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, Co-Artistic Director Osias Barroso, and the rest of Ballet Manila have in store for their 21^st season.

Ticket prices:

P1500 Gold

P1000 Silver

P500 Bronze

For inquiries:

TicketWorld 891-9999