Renowned poet Francisco Balagtas is one the most important figures in Philippine literature. His iconic works showcase his incomparable talents in the art of writing and have inspired many of the country’s famed heroes.
One of his iconic works that nearly all Filipinos are aware of is the poem Florante at Laura. As part of the curriculum in high schools, many have been well acquainted with the famous poem’s memorable characters and gripping plot staged in the fictional country of Albania. While the poem’s popularity has led to numerous adaptations from stage plays to films, there has yet to be one of a ballet production.
With this in mind ballet company Ballet Manila took it upon itself to be the first one in the country to stage a production utilizing the art of classical ballet.
Ballet Manila artistic director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde shared how the idea of a ballet production of the poem came to mind after the performance of Ballet Manila’s principal dancer and resident choreographer Gerardo Francisco’s Ibong Adarna in 2017, which was also based on one of the classical works of Balagtas.
“With the huge success of Ibong Adarna, the logical next step was, of course, Florante at Laura,” said Macuja-Elizalde.
The artistic director further revealed that the production was halted following the fire back in 2019 that had damaged the Aliw Theater and the Star Theater, where the ballet company frequently held its performances. Adding to the delay was the pandemic as well as the eventual production of other ballets, leaving the work to stage it be put on hold indefinitely.
With Macuja-Elizalde eventually taping once again for her radio-television show Art 2 Art after the pandemic, she talked with Balagtas and Balagtasan scholar and poet Dr. Michael Coroza who had seen Ballet Manila’s staging of Ibong Adarna and volunteered to collaborate with Ballet Manila choreographers Francisco and Martin Lawrence to make a libretto for Florante at Laura.
The show also allowed Macuja-Elizalde to invite National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab, whom she personally asked to compose a musical score for the production. Without hesitation, Cayabyab agreed to do it.
“I’m collecting Filipino works to compose because I’m getting old. I’m already 70. Those are already considered as heritage works and those are very important to me,” explained Cayabyab.
Despite it being a difficult thing to make, the National Artist followed through with his words as it had also been his dream to compose for a big orchestra. He ended up finishing the entire composition for the ballet’s three acts, which he said sounded like the Philippine version of Tchaikovsky, in a span of ten days.
“It’s my gift to the Filipino people,” said Cayabyab.
Ballet Manila’s Florante at Laura stars principal dancers Joshua Enciso and Abigail Oliveiro as the titular characters with Stephanie Santiago and Noah Esplana completing the main cast as Flerida and Aladin, respectively.
The rest of Florante at Laura’s production team included John Batalla on lighting and design, Mio Infante on set design and execution, and Therese Arroyo on costume design, who all have also worked on Ballet Manila’s previous productions.
The ballet premiered on Oct. 12 at the Aliw Theater in Pasay City. The finale will be on Oct. 19 at 5:00 p.m. Tickets are available at www.ticketworld.com.ph. For more information about Ballet Manila and its productions, visit www.balletmanila.com.ph.
