The Filipinization of the French comic ballet Coppelia

Ballet Philippines to showcase Filipino performative art in this classic piece with stronger dancing and technically demanding choreography.

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Jul 22, 2023 08:02 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Style, technique, and character are the focal points of Ballet Philippines'  54th season and Coppelia highlights these aspects in splendid fashion.

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By JAMES SAM

Ballet Philippines’ 54th season is opening with a Filipino rendition of Coppelia. Originating in 1870 from Paris Théâtre Impérial l’Opéra, the story is centered around Dr. Coppelius’ daughter, a life-like doll, and her sudden presence at a town festival where two youths, Franz and Swanhilda, plan to marry. Franz, becoming infatuated with the doll, shifts his attention away from Swanhilda and in an attempt to win her betrothed back, Swanhilda decides to impersonate the beautiful, life-size doll. A hectic series of events follows, concluding with a narrative that places love above all.

Swanhilda played by Jemima Reyes

A pandemic-stricken Ballet Philippines, in anticipation of its return to live performances, dons the title “Power of Dance.” Dedicated to sharing the passion of ballet to their audience, the company aims to reinvigorate the performance arts in the Philippines and elevate the experience to new heights. 

According to Kathleen Liechtenstein, president of Ballet Philippines, the show is suitable for all ages. A family-bonding experience calling for introspection and self-discovery, Coppelia aims to inspire from the company’s new home at the Theater at Solaire.

Coppelia played by Idelle Buhia

Mikhail Martynyuk describes the show as a great brightness filled with powerful dances. Having debuted as the lead performer of Coppelia, Ballet Philippines’ artistic director carries with him a wealth of knowledge garnered from 24 performances of the show in Spain. In his desire to showcase the strength and talents of Ballet Philippines’ dancers, Martynyuk’s Filipino adaptation of Coppelia incorporates stronger dancing and technically demanding choreography.

Franz played by Ian Ocampo

“If you have style, you need to have technique,” said Martynyuk at a press preview, “If you have technique, you need to have character.” Style, technique, and character are the focal points of Ballet Philippines 54th season and Coppelia highlights these aspects in splendid fashion.

Hosted at The Theatre At Solaire, Ballet Philippines’ Coppelia will run from Aug. 4 to 6. Tickets are available online at ballet.ph.

'Coppélia,' 'Christmas Fairytales,' and 'Limang Daan' highlight Ballet Philippines' 54th season

Ballet Philippines 2023: A diverse box of delights.

BY PHILIP CU UNJIENG

Jun 29, 2023 11:48 AM

  

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This 54th season of Ballet Philippines sees the troupe living up to its theme of the “Power of Dance,” by showcasing diversity. And to enrich the agenda, Ballet Philippines is proud to announce that it has a new home for the next three years: The Theatre at Solaire.

This is a coup for Ballet Philippines, as many performing arts companies have been scrambling for regular venues since the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) went into hiatus for its three-year renovation program. The Theatre at Solaire is one of the most sought-after, well-equipped, and designed live performance venues in town, so it is a great fit for Ballet Philippines.

At a media lunch held at the Oasis, Solaire, the Ballet Philippines Board of Trustees was represented by Kathleen Lior-Liechtenstein, Bernadette Aboitiz, and Rosalind Wee. Artistic Director Misha Martynyuk introduced a short snippet of "Coppelia," which will serve as a teaser for the company's 54th season.

Kathleen Liechtenstein speaking to Mark Wilson, with Bernadette Aboitiz to Mark’s right.

"Coppélia" will be performed on Aug. 4-6, with five performances spread over the three days. The ballet was first performed in 1870, and it is considered a classic of the genre. It was originally choreographed by Arthur Saint-Léon to the music of Léo Delibes, with a libretto by Charles Louis Nuitter. "Coppélia" is a comic ballet, and it is a wonderful light-hearted way to usher in Ballet Philippines' 54th season.

At its core, "Coppélia" is a story about a young boy named Franz who falls in love with a life-sized doll named Coppelia. Franz's girlfriend, Swanilda, is determined to dispel Franz's infatuation with the doll, and she soon discovers that Coppelia is actually a creation of Professor Coppelius, a mysterious inventor.

Ballet Philippines gave a sneak preview of "Coppelia" to media guests at the press conference in Solaire.

The premise of creating life from inanimate objects was a popular one in the 19th century, and "Coppélia" is one of many works that explore this theme. Other famous works that deal with this subject include "The Adventures of Pinocchio" and "Frankenstein, the Modern Prometheus."

This concept of creating life from inanimate objects is still a popular one today, as evidenced by the continued fascination with robots and AI bots. This is why the theme and storyline of "Coppélia" will have a broad appeal. If Misha ratchets up the comic elements, as he promised during the press event, then a good time is guaranteed for all, young and old alike.

The ever entertaining Rosalind Wee, with Metro Channel’s Lala Ventura.

The second performance of Season 54 will be "Christmas Fairytales," slated for Dec. 15-17. The set design and costumes promise to be part of the wonderment attached to this performance. The ballet is set at a regular home, and when the young girl asks her minder to read her a fairy tale, she is whisked away to a world where the toys and storybook figures come alive. And of course, waking up the next morning with her family is the best reality.

On March 8-10, 2024, Ballet Philippines will present "Limang Daan," a Filipiniana ballet that looks back through dance at 500 years of cross-cultural encounters and references, dominated by Spanish influences. "Limang Daan" is both art and history, reflecting on our yesterday, informing us of today, and preparing us for our tomorrow. It promises to be quite the spectacle.

The 54th Season of Ballet Philippines is a diverse lineup of performances, with something for everyone. From the classic "Coppélia" to the whimsical "Christmas Fairytales" to the thought-provoking "Limang Daan," there is sure to be something to enjoy.

The sun continues to shine brightly on Ballet Philippines, and its new home at Solaire is a fitting place for this talented company to continue to grow and thrive.