"Rama, Hari"
returns to CCP in November
“Rama, Hari,” the
hit pop ballet musical based on the Indian epic Ramayana, is returning to the
CCP stage this November, with a powerhouse cast of the country's best singers
and dancers.
This year's staging of “Rama, Hari” will star
Christian Bautista and Karylle in the lead roles Rama and Sita, backed by an
equally powerhouse cast of the country's leading theater actors and singers:
Robert Seña as the demon Ravana, OJ Mariano (alternating as Rama), Kalila Aguilos (alternating as Sita), Christian Rey Marbella, Noel Rayos, Lani Ligot,
Amparo Sietereales, and Brezhnev Larlar.
Ballet Philippines' principal dancers Jean Marc
Cordero and Richardson Yadao will essay the role of Rama and Carissa Adea and
Katherine Trofeo as Sita.
"Rama, Hari" is Ballet Philippines' third
production this year, following the staging of "Songs" and
"Neo-Filipino: Anting.”
Ballet Philippines' Artistic Director Paul Alexander
Morales says that what makes "Rama, Hari" special, then and now, is
the great collaboration work done by the best Filipino artists on the
production, including two national artists.
Choreographed by Ballet Philippines' founder Alice
Reyes, the ballet musical was set to music of maestro Ryan Cayabyab, while
National Artist for Literature Bienvenido Lumbera wrote the libretto and
National Artist for Theater Design Salvador Bernal did the set and costume
design.
The lyrics of “Rama, Hari” are in Filipino, but there
will be English subtitles during the performance, translated by National Artist
Rolando Tinio.
Ballet Philippines first staged “Rama, Hari” in 1980
at the Cultural Center of the Philippines with Basil Valdez and Kuh Ledesma as
the voices behind Rama and Sita, respectively. Leo Valdez portrayed the role of
the evil demon Ravana.
Rama, Hari will have 10 performances from November 30 to
December 9 at the CCP Main Theater, with the Manila Symphony Orchestra playing
live. For tickets and inquiries, call Ballet Philippines at 551-1003 or
Ticketworld at 891-9999. Visit www.ballet.ph
or www.facebook.com/balletphilippines.
OCTOBER 17, 2012 "PRESSCON"
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Karylle as Sita
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| Karylle as Sita |
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| Christian Bautista as Rama |