Lisa Macuja Elizalde, Ballet Manila’s creative director, couldn’t contain her excitement when asked about the upcoming world premiere of Florante at Laura.
The production, which comes at the heels of the ballet company’s highly successful Ibong Adarna, will be staged at the Aliw Theater on October 12, 2024, at 8 PM, and on October 13 and 19, 2024 at 5 PM.
“Florante at Laura was a project that was going to be Gerardo Francisco’s next epic adventure. This was planned way before the pandemic happened,” recalled Lisa.
Gerardo is the dance company’s longtime principal dancer and co-artistic associate, who also choreographed the award-winning Ibong Adarna. Working with him is the exemplary British choreographer Martin Lawrance who is behind Ballet Manila’s full length innovative retelling of Romeo and Juliet in the Filipino setting.
this collaboration, Gerardo shared, “Clear communication, thorough discussions, and mutual support were crucial in keeping us on track.” To this, Martin agrees. “We just seem to click and bounce ideas off of each other. It has so far been a very fruitful collaboration. Communication has been the key! ”

Lisa then invited renowned writer and balagtasan expert Professor Michael Coroza to collaborate with Gerardo and Martin Lawrence to create the libretto for Florante at Laura.
Soon after, the quest for a composer began. “I was so very thrilled when National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab said yes!” shared Lisa.
One of the pillars of Original Pilipino Music (OPM), Ryan Cayabyab, was named National Artist for Music in 2018 with an extensive body of work ranging from orchestras and full-length musical productions to television and commercials.
“Most important before I start creating music is the mutual understanding among the other creatives and the producer regarding style and medium of music,” Cayabyab shared.
Breathing life into his original compositions is the Orchestra of the Filipino Youth (OFY) under the baton of his son, Toma Cayabyab–another dream fulfilled for Ryan.
A literary masterpiece written by Filipino poet Francisco ‘Balagtas’ Baltasar and published in 1838, Florante at Laura follows the story of Florante, a duke who was held captive and enslaved by the Turks. But with the help of Aladin, he managed to escape from his captors to return to his country, Albania, to face off the usurper Count Adolfo, seek redemption, and reunite with his beloved Laura.
As one of the country’s leading dance companies, Ballet Manila has been known for its keen eye for excellence and artistry. While it has created many award-winning productions, the audience can expect more world class performances thanks to the leadership of Lisa.
But for now, she wishes the audience to bask in the magical greatness of Florante at Laura. “That’s why we work so hard every day — to create art that people will want to watch again and again.”
All performances will be staged at Aliw Theater, Pasay City.