With award-winning productions that feature masterpieces from the Filipino dance repertoire and brand new works by young choreographers, the Metropolitan Theater and the Cultural Center of the Philippines, featuring artists of the Professional Artist Support Program (PASP) and Alice Reyes Dance Philippines (ARDP), present a new and exciting season of Dance.

PASP and ARDP
Scene from Encantada (Photo by Darrell Sicam)

ENCANTADA 

  • April 14-15, 2023 | Samsung Performing Arts Theater
  • April 21-22, 2023 | Metropolitan Theater

In celebration of Earth Day, the season opens with ENCANTADA, a Filipino masterwork Directed and Choreographed by National Artist for Dance Agnes Locsin with Music by Joey Ayala, Libretto by Al Santos, and Production Design by National Artist Salvador Bernal. It tells the poignant tale of the repercussions that come with man’s destruction of nature.

PASP and ARDP
Alice Reyes as Sita in Rama, Hari

RAMA, HARI

  • September 15-16, 2023 | Metropolitan Theater
  • September 22-23, 2023 | Samsung Performing Arts Theater

A Filipino modern rock opera ballet, RAMA, HARI is an acclaimed collaboration among five National Artists – Alice Reyes for direction and choreography, Ryan Cayabyab for music, Salvador Bernal for production design, Bienvenido Lumbera for the libretto, and English translations by Rolando Tinio. An adaptation of the Sanskrit epic poem Ramayana, this masterpiece features renowned singers in the Filipino music industry and incorporates traditional theatre, song, and dance devices found and shared among Asian nations.

CARMEN AND OTHER SPIRITS

  • October 20-21, 2023 | Samsung Performing Arts Theater
  • October 27-28, 2023 | Metropolitan Theater

The passion and high drama of Bizet’s opera ignites the stage with Alice Reyes’ CARMEN. This bold piece top bills a program that showcases the artists’ dynamism and bravado in modern, contemporary, and neo-classical genres. It features iconic gems in the Filipino Dance Repertoire and the premiere of choreographic works by the new generation of top Filipino choreographers including a suite of dances exploring the rich culture of the Bicol Region.

PUSO NG PASKO

  • December 1-2, 2023 | Metropolitan Theater
  • December 22, 2023 | Samsung Performing Arts Theater

An acclaimed and well-loved production that premiered in 2022, PUSO NG PASKO returns as the new Filipino holiday tradition for the family. This year, it expands the world of Tres Reyes as it continues to explore and incorporate more of the different festivities in the Philippines.

PUSO NG PASKO tells the story of Lolo Val, now living in New Jersey, as recalls to his young granddaughter, Angelita, the magical Christmases of his youth with the barkada in the old hometown of Tres Reyes. From parols to puto bumbong, Simbang Gabi to parties in the town plaza, young love to nostalgia via Zoom, the true spirit of Paskong Pinoy is celebrated to the timeless music of our favorite Filipino Christmas carols arranged by Ryan Cayabyab.

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