To end its 48th season, Ballet Philippines (BP) stages the lively classic Don Quixote on February 9 to 18 at the CCP Main Theater.
Taken from an episode of Miguel de Cervantes’ tale, the ballet follows the lofty adventures of Don Quixote into Barcelona. Here, he meets Kitri, an innkeeper’s daughter whom he thinks is his ladylove Dulcinea.
Kitri, in turn, is enamored by Basilio, the poor local barber of whom her father doesn’t approve. Mayhem ensues as the gentleman from La Mancha unwittingly helps the two lovers have their happy ending.
BP encourages those who have never watched a ballet to see Don Quixote, which is described in a press write-up as “a light and fun story, it is ballet’s rom-com. But it is also perfect for die-hard balletomanes, who will surely look out for Don Q’s signature leaps, dizzying turns and death-defying lifts.”
International Guest Artist Joseph Gatti will be performing on special gala nights. Gatti is a former principal dancer of Cincinnati Ballet and Corella Ballet. The winner of various prestigious international ballet competitions including the New York International Ballet Competition and World Ballet Competition, Gatti has been invited to perform as a guest principal artist in companies and in international ballet galas in the USA, South America, Japan, Europe and Russia. He will partner BP’s resident guest artist Candice Adea while the Manila Symphony Orchestra will play live, conducted by Jeffrey Solares.
The regisseur (restager) of the ballet is Adam Sage, who returns to BP as its Associate Artistic Director and Ballet Master. Mr. Sage has performed, taught, coached and choreographed in four continents for nearly three decades. After his stint with BP in 1981 to 1983, he danced with Ballet West, Ballet Memphis, Hong Kong Ballet, and National Dance Company of Boputhatswana in South Africa. He also founded and served as artistic director of Missouri Ballet Theatre.
Besides Gatti and Adea, the principal roles of Kitri and Basilio will be portrayed by BP company members Jemima Reyes, Monica Gana, Victor Maguad and Ian Ocampo.
For tickets, call Ballet Philippines at (+632) 551-1003, the CCP Box Office at (+632) 832-3704, or Ticketworld at (+632) 891-9999 or go to Ticketworld.com.ph.
Connect to Ballet Philippines online through the following social media network on Facebook, www.facebook.com/balletphilippines and on its website, www.ballet.ph.
