If one fancies Ballet Manila as an ensemble, Le Corsaire (the pirate) is among the few to best showcase a whole cast with various settings, character highlights, and intricate clothing that complements the expressions. The story is about the corsairs or pirates who arrive at a land that enacts a culture where girls are purchased to entertain. Ballet Manila takes the stage to showcase talents in this performance show, Le Corsaire last February 25, 2024 (Sunday) 5PM at the Aliw Theater in Pasay, Manila.
Aliw Theater as a venue is interesting as it was built as a gift to Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, founder of Ballet Manila and Prima Ballerina, by her husband. Aliw Theater is also beside the Cultural Center of the Philippines. In the millennium, stand-alone theaters like Aliw Theater were a rare gem. As a form of community center, the theater brings citizens together to a dedicated purpose towards theater at a location. The theater, renovated in 2022, 20 years after its founding, can accommodate more than 1,000 viewers and has a comfortable seat with an extra large back seat, carpeted floor, large curved LED (light-emitting diode) screen, and round front edge stage. We sat at the orchestra side and got a good view of the stage. The lighting and audio were well-configured for the show.
Lisa Macuja-Elizalde's Le Corsaire has three acts with ten (10) minute breaks in between each act. The scene was set at a seaport, cave, palace, and lone island. At the start, with no idea of the story, I felt that the first part of the show looked quite bare but gradually grew lively with captivating dynamic choreography in elegant refined forms. The furniture is few, almost mostly focusing on dialogues. The background music has no lyrics, and there are no words, making the show open to the audience from any background. Partly it felt like an old theater with minimal stage technology and more human performance. Partly it felt ultra modern for the use of a curved LED screen at the backdrop and the arrangement of spotlights. Partly felt like an immersion inside the ballet studio rehearsals through the sense of camaraderie in the story. The attention to detail was so keen, making audiences wonder how much practice was done to execute such an outstanding feat. The setting changes were explicitly shown through the curved LED screen with digital art rendered like a three-dimensional watercolor painting. On the occasions that the performers rest around the stage, the lead performers at the center naturally pop up in the foreground allowing enhanced appreciation of the art. An ensemble in period clothing is a treat inspiring the audience to want to learn the steps and dance along. The solo performances were majestic, the couple ensembles were celebratory, and the choreography of girls in traditional tutu dresses with flowers was attractive and familiar enough for the appreciation of traditional ballet.
Ballet turns were so intensive one will not miss to appreciate and notice the outstanding skill of the ballet dancer. Momentous emotions in scenes are expressed in majestic, elegant ballet stunts. Both garnered the audience's admiration and received warm applause in between the show. The intensity was felt from the performers, up to the lighting, which later toned down and relaxed audiences who needed a breath of air. A theater air-conditioning can also help support attention. For almost three hours of attention from the audience, the ten-minute break helped in grasp the progress of the story. With great demonstration of ballet skills, the show is a critical performance for the meticulous ballet fan.
Le Cosaire is a classic story that offers scenes to highlight the talents of many ballet dancers and the whole ensemble; a beautiful opportunity to build ballet classics.
Don't miss the opportunity to witness Lisa Macuja Elizalde's performance of "Le Corsaire" on March 3, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. in the Aliw Theater. Tickets for the event can be purchased through Ticketworld, and you can use the promo code BMLECORSAIRE25 to avail a 25% discount on the published price. For bulk orders of 50 or more tickets, you can contact balletmanilamarketing@gmail.com.
_________________________
STAR POWERHOUSE ORIGINALS
Review and words by: Abigail Ko
Photographs by: TeatroPinas
Mga Komento
Mag-post ng isang Komento