Ballet Philippines’s recent production is a tough act to follow. See, it is a spell-binding collage of different art forms in a spectacle of dance, installation art, music and light design. In it’s mere 1.5 hours of non-stop dance and mesmerizing narrative, Gabriel Barredo’s OPERA presents a stunning feat in Philippine Ballet, that I am still at lost for words.

Choreographed by visiting dancer and French-Algerian choreographer, Redha, Opera follows the mythological journey of two brothers to manhood. As they go along, librettist Yvette Tan’s archetypal motif brings the gasping audiences to a mythical world so detached, yet so familiar. Barredo’s design digs far deeper by making the experience more savagely profound. As the twin brothers’ plot unfolds, John Batalla’s bewitching lighting design transforms each scene from unconventional hominess to consuming sensuality.

Since Ballet Philippine’s OPERA is a visual treat and an equally satisfying orgy of different forms, it is but right to be quick with my words and share with you Mr. Erickson dela Cruz and Ms. Trixie Dauz‘ photos from the opening night, instead.