RAMA, HARI, the celebrated Filipino rock opera ballet, is set to return to the stage this month. The production takes pride in its unique collaboration between five National Artists: Alice Reyes for Direction and Choreography, Ryan Cayabyab for Music, Salvador Bernal for Production Design, and Bienvenido Lumbera for the lyrics and libretto, with English Translations by Rolando Tinio.
Presented by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, in partnership with the Metropolitan Theater and the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and supported by Birch Tree, the show will feature artists from CCP’s Professional Artist Support Program and Alice Reyes Dance Philippines. Performances will run at the Metropolitan Theater on September 15-16 and at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater on September 22-23, 2023.
Inspired by the ancient Sanskrit epic, Ramayana, the ballet tells the adventures of Rama, the prince and incarnation of the god Vishnu, who descends to earth to save it from Ravana, the most powerful of demons. Eventually, it falls in love with Sita, the daughter of the king of Mithila, Janaka. The ballet combines Southeast Asian musical influences, offering a Filipino take on traditional themes. Director Alice Reyes integrates dancers and singers within the music, using elements from Asian theater and Indian movements in modern dance choreography.
The cast includes Arman Ferrer and Vien King as Rama, Karylle Tatlonghari, Shiela Valderrama-Martinez, and Nica Tupas as Sita, and Poppert Bernadas, Mathew San Jose, and Jonel Mojica as the villainous Ravana. The production's minimalist sets and stylized Oriental costumes are designed by Salvador Bernal. Notably, the show was last restaged in 2012 and received 14 Philstage Gawad Buhay Awards.
This year, the creative team has gathered new talents to join the cast, and RAMA, HARI is anticipated to return after a pandemic-induced hiatus. This grand epic's timely presentation marks the first show of ARDP (Alice Reyes Dance Philippines) following its first-anniversary celebration. The production's gala cocktail at the Metropolitan Theater is sponsored by Kashmir Restaurant, an establishment known for its flavorful Indian dishes.
RAMA, HARI is a performance celebration not to be missed, presented by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, in collaboration with the Metropolitan Theater, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and supported by Birch Tree. It features artists from Alice Reyes Dance Philippines (ARDP) and the CCP’s Professional Artist Support Program (PASP), alongside dance trainees from various institutions.
RAMA, HARI is presented by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, in partnership with the Metropolitan Theater, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and with the generous support of Birch Tree. It features the artists of Alice Reyes Dance Philippines (ARDP) and the CCP’s Professional Artist Support Program (PASP), with dance trainees from Guang Ming College, Philippine High School for the Arts, De La Salle College of Saint Benilde, and other independent performers.
September 15, 2023 | Friday | 7:30 PM | Metropolitan Theater*
September 16, 2023 | Saturday | 2:00 PM | Metropolitan Theater
September 16, 2023 | Saturday | 7:30 PM | Metropolitan Theater*
September 22, 2023 | Friday | 7:30 PM | Samsung Performing Arts Theater*
September 23, 2023 | Saturday | 2:00 PM | Samsung Performing Arts Theater
September 23, 2023 | Saturday | 7:30 PM | Samsung Performing Arts Theater**
