THE story of Sleeping Beauty, a beautiful princess cursed by an evil fairy so that she will fall on a sleep-like death after pricking her finger on a spindle only to be awakened after a hundred years by a true love’s kiss, was launched by Ballet Manila at the classical ballet company’s studios in Pasay City last week.
The world premiere of “Sleeping Beauty,” featuring an original choreography by Ballet Manila CEO and artistic director Lisa Macuja Elizalde and part of its 24th performance season On Pointe, will be the last installment of Elizalde’s Princess Trilogy, the other two being Cinderella and Snow White.
“Sleeping Beauty” will be a modern retelling of the story of Aurora, Prince Phillip and iconic villain Maleficent with new elements conceptualized by Elizalde herself with the help of Ballet Manila’s co-artistic director Osias Barroso who is also the show’s choreography assistant and rehearsal master.
Reflecting on the company’s sophisticated talent and creativity, “Sleeping Beauty” will be different from the classical ballet by Ivan Vsevolozhsky and Marius Petipa as it will explore the origins and story of what urged Maleficent to cast the spell on Aurora. New characters will also be introduced such as the Keeper of the Golden Plates and the other royal couples from the other installments of Princess Trilogy.
While new characters, interesting crossovers and unexpected twists will be featured, Ballet Manila will preserve the traditional aspects of ballet and stay true to the story’s central plot about first love, enchantment and goodness prevailing over evil, as well as the ever majestic music of Peter Tchaikovsky.
Leading the ensemble is principal dancer Jasmine Pia Dames as Aurora, Romeo Peralta as her love interest Prince Phillip, Mark Sumaylo, Rissa May Camaclang, Joan Sia, Gerardo Francisco, Rafael Perez, Alvin Dictado, Shaira Comeros and Emma Harris.
But more than a spectacular show, “Sleeping Beauty” is an apt offering to start 2020 as the company rises from the recent tragedy after its home Aliw Theater was ravaged by fire.
The shows are scheduled tomorrow, January 18 at 6 p.m. and on January 19 at 3 p.m. at the Newport Performing Arts Theater of Resorts World Manila.
For the show’s tickets, visit any Ticketworld outlet, call 891-9999 or go to www.ticketworld.com.ph. — Jose D. Patao, Jr.
