Some of the hottest names in today’s music and theatre scene are joining the cast of the hit Filipino rock opera ballet, RAMA, HARI, which features direction and choreography by National Artist Alice Reyes and music by National Artist Ryan Cayabyab, with lyrics and libretto by National Artist Bienvenido Lumbera, Production design by National Artist Salvador Bernal and Translations by National Artist Rolando Tinio.
Gian Magdangal, fresh from his awarded run in 2022’s Carousel, and Arman Ferrer are Rama, with 2020 Gawad Buhay Awardee Vien King alternating.
Musical theater stars Karylle Tatlonghari, and Shiela Valderrama-Martinez take on the lead role of Sita, with fresh-face Nica Tupas alternating.
Tackling the kontrabida role of demon king Ravana are Rak of Aegis star Poppert Bernadas and Los Angeles-based musical theater actor Mathew San Jose making his Manila debut. Jonel Mojica alternates.
Theater icon Audie Gemora plays King Dasaratha in all shows.
Up-and-coming theater artists, Miah Canton, and Raflesia Bravo tackle the dual roles of Soorpanakha and Kooni, while Katrine Sunga and Maron Rozelle Mabana do double duty as Kaikeyi and “Gintong Usa.”
Paw Castillo and Jon Abella take on the roles of Rama’s Younger Brother, Lakshmana, and the monkey general Hanuman.
“I’m so excited to be doing this show with Alice Reyes Dance Philippines. This is a dream role and I am so grateful.” Shiela also shares.
Karylle says, ”I’m excited to see what RAMA, HARI will become this 2023.”
Poppert feels very honored to be asked by two national artists: Ryan Cayabyab (Music) and Alice Reyes (Dance) to be part of the show this coming September as Ravana. In an Instagram post, he expressed his gratitude for the trust and says that “even a mere invitation to eat out or have coffee with you, I will quickly say yes”.
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RAMA, HARI is based on the ancient Sanskrit epic Ramayana which follows Prince Rama from his marriage to Sita, their 14-year banishment, and their encounters with the evil Ravana and his sister Soorpanakha.
RAMA, HARI is presented by the Cultural Center of the Philippines and features the artists of the Alice Reyes Dance Philippines (ARDP) and the CCP’s Professional Artist Support Program (PASP), with guests from Guang Ming College, and other regional schools who actively participated in previous ARDP and PASP Productions.
SHOW SCHEDULE:
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*
*With live music performed by The Orchestra of the Filipino Youth
FUTURE SHOWS:
CARMEN AND OTHER SPIRITS, a mixed bill featuring Alice Reyes’ CARMEN with Production Design by National Artist Salvador Bernal, and new works by young Filipino choreographers.
Oct. 20-21, 27-28, 2023
PUSO NG PASKO, an all-Filipino Christmas Ballet celebrating Paskong Pinoy and paying homage to the different fiestas across the Philippine islands. Set to the timeless music of our favorite Filipino Christmas carols arranged by National Artist for Music, Ryan Cayabyab.
Dec. 1-2, 2023
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