Paglalakbay

 Ballet Philippines closes 56th season with Ivatan journey

By Earl D.C. Bracamonte

Ballet Philippines presents its new full-length, original Filipino production, “Paglalakbay: Journey of the Sea People” to culminate its 56th Season.

“This is a story of a people who travelled through land and sea – the Austronesian migration. This ballet production is a tribute to my mom, Flora Chua, whose life was shaped by these journeys,” shared librettist Sherry Chua. “The journey of the sea people lives with us. Audiences will understand that movement is universal,” she added.

The scenography evokes the Batanes landscape. Set & costume designer Leeroy New got lost in the jungles of Itbayat during an immersion trip. His translation of the set design is impressive.

“Because Batanes’ topography is undulating, my dancers too can’t stand straight like when they’re on the plains. It has also affected how the steps are counted - not just 4 or 8, but also 7.

“The challenge of the Ballet Brigade Program of the Philippines in the training and recruitment of young dancers is the tradition of minors still needing parental approval, no matter how talented” shared choreographer Misha Martynyuk, who, in his youth, hailed from Siberia to train in Moscow.

A preview of an adagio, a love pas de deux, shows the connection, and first kiss of the main characters in Act 1, and who will ultimately fall in love in Act 2.

“My research is on the Archeology of Batanes. Austronesian is a family of languages, including that of the Ivatans. They were the first Austronesian speaking migrants who lived in Batanes from Taiwan,” informed the show’s consultant, Prof. Edwin Valientes of UP Diliman.

Prof. Valientes laid out the NCIP requirements to be fulfilled in instances where productions on indigenous peoples are being set up.

The show, running for an hour and 46 minutes, essays the epic journey of the Ivatans; as a reflection of our shared history.

“Aside from Ivatan chanters opening each show, watch out for a surprise scene in Act 2," adviced Misha.

Paglalakbay: Journey of the Sea People will run its World Premier from April 10 through April 12 at The Theater @ Solaire. It will, thereafter, be showed in Hungary on May 7th.

Book your tickets to the Solaire shows via www.ticketworld.com.ph. Ballet Philippines is the oldest resident company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).