Teatro Pinas : Sayaw Tungo sa Kalayaan: A Dance Musical Celebrating Philippine Independence at the Metropolitan Theater

 For the celebration of our 126th Independence Day last June, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos commissioned the Alice Reyes Dance Philippines (ARDP) to come up with a new dance musical telling the story of our nation.

This was Sayaw Tungo sa Kalayaan, performed at the Rizal Park on June 10. It was a popular and critical success, with many in the audience raving and asking for a repeat performance so they could bring their family and friends. The First Lady agreed that it should be toured around Metro Manila to allow more people to enjoy and be inspired by the show.

On Sept. 6, Friday, SAYAW TUNGO SA KALAYAAN will be shown at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila. Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan has generously agreed to open the doors of the theater for two performances, a 3:00 PM Matinee for students and a 6:00 PM Gala for the employees of the City of Manila and guests.

Sayaw tells the story of the Filipino, from ancient times to the modern age, through dance, music, and LED imagery. Featuring a medley of music by National Artists Ryan Cayabyab, Lucrecia Kasilag, Dr. Ramon Santos, and other notable compositions from contemporary Filipino composers, the production features musical artists Shiela Valderrama-Martinez, Marynor Madamesila,  Arman Ferrer, and David Ezra.

The dancers of ARDP with dance trainees from the University of the East showcase the different stages of our history – from pre-colonial to Spanish and American eras, from our struggle for freedom to contemporary times – in powerful choreographies by National Artist for Dance, Alice Reyes, Augustus Bam Damian III, Ronelson Yadao, Lester Reguindin, Dan Dayo, and AL Abraham.

Multi-awarded set designer Loy Arcenas and internationally trained technical director Barbie Tantiongco bring the different eras to life through mesmerizing visuals with Video Designs by Joyce Garcia.

SAYAW TUNGO SA KALAYAAN is presented bythe City of Manila with the Metropolitan Theater and National Comission for Culture and the Arts featuring Alice Reyes Dance Philippines with the support of Senator Pia Cayetano and the Cultural Center of the Philippines.