From the ashes, a new phoenix rises.
That was how Ballet Manila Chief Executive Officer and creative director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde described the rise of the new Aliw Theater, the home of Ballet Manila for approximately 20 years.
At midnight on October 2, 2019, the Star City compound caught fire. Along with the amusement park and the Manila Broadcasting Company, Aliw Theater was also damaged in the blaze.
On my way to work the following morning, I couldn’t help but think about what would happen to the ballet company after the unfortunate event. A month prior to the incident, I watched Snow White, the first production of the ballet company for its 24th season, and was looking forward to its next production, the classic Giselle.
As they say, you would know who your true friends are in a time of trouble. Friends of Ballet Manila rallied together to bring Giselle to life. The Cultural Center of the Philippines, a stone’s throw away, provided the venue, while the Manila Symphony Orchestra provided their service at a discounted rate and Ballet Philippines lent their backdrops.
That was how Ballet Manila was able to stage their second ballet production for their On Pointe season.
However, while the ballet company was in its process of rebirth, the pandemic happened, hindering any opportunity to perform live once more.
The past two years have been a learning experience for the ballet company. While it went on a hiatus, the ballet company transferred its classes online and went on to develop an entirely new way of running its ballet school.
They also developed its syllabus and created new classes to keep up with the changes of the time. They offered Dance With Me toddlers classes and Ballet For the New Young Senior Citizen classes, among many others.
This year, Ballet Manila returns to its home and comes back with Rise!. Led by conductor and musical director Gerard Salonga, the opening show will have baritone Andrew Fernando as vocal coach. It will also feature a full orchestra, opera, and pop singers.
The ballet company continues its holiday tradition with Holiday Cheer Series, featuring Christmas-themed ballets and the re-staging of Lisa Macuja-Elizalde’s Cinderella.
For its 28th anniversary, the 25th performance season commences. Dubbed Of Hope and Homecoming, it will open with Martin Lawrance’s Romeo and Juliet on February 18 to 19, 2023, followed by Don Quixote with guest artists from San Francisco Ballet on May 27 to 28, 2023, and culminating with Gerardo Francisco’s Ibong Adarna on August 19 to 20, 2023.
Of course, all of these performances will happen at the completely upgraded facilities at Aliw Theater.
“I feel very encouraged and happy that our home has been restored and that the theater complex is an even harder working venue that is capable of so much more,” shared Macuja-Elizalde.
As the flagship facility within the Elizalde Complex, the newly-renovated Aliw Theater has three major venues – the main theater, the Elizalde Hall, and the Custom Space.
With 1,275 seating capacity, the main theater has been modified to enhance the viewing experience with new top-of-the-line lights and audio equipment, brand-new seats and carpets, including a huge LED screen.
“The LED screen will be a huge help in putting up our old repertoire with less cost for production without compromising on the quality,” shared Macuja-Elizalde.
The theater also has a new smoke suction and fresh air system. “We were rebuilding during the lockdowns and this allowed us to put in features that will make the theater safer given the pandemic conditions.”
The 370-square-meter Elizalde Hall has two meeting rooms that can be customized for business meetings, small conferences, and training events. Meanwhile, the 500-square meter Custom Space can support any artistic endeavors, from intimate performances and recitals to exhibits and social events.
With the totally upgraded Aliw Theater and the reignited fervor of her dancers, Macuja-Elizalde affirms audiences can look forward to more enjoyable and memorable performances “We will continue to innovate in the area of non-traditional distribution of content and services. We have survived, and we continue to grow. I think that we are now stronger, wiser, and better. It can only look brighter from now on. The best is always yet to come.”