The restaging of Francisco Balagtas’ masterpiece offers a rare chance to witness again the timeless epic reimagined through myth, music, and classical ballet. Ballet Manila brings back Florante at Laura to Aliw Theater following its acclaimed world premiere and successful second run. Performances are set on October 3 at 8:00 PM, and on October 4 and 5 at 5:00 PM.
A Celebration of Filipino Heritage
For Ballet Manila’s founder and artistic director, Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, this return is not just a repeat performance but a cultural milestone. She described it as a reckoning with the collective appreciation of Filipino heritage. Through this staging, audiences are invited to rediscover Balagtas’ epic poem in a new form where myth, music, and dance converge.
Lisa has consistently championed Filipino storytelling through ballet. This production reflects her commitment to weaving national literature into classical performance. “Bringing Florante at Laura back to the stage feels like coming full circle. The first run was a dream realized; the second at Areté affirmed that Filipino stories, when told with care and conviction, truly resonate. Now, with this third staging, it feels less like a return and more like a reckoning. I’m proud, but more than that, I’m moved. This ballet continues to teach us how timeless our heritage can be,” said Lisa.
Music and Legacy
The musical dimension of the production plays a central role. The Orchestra of the Filipino Youth, under conductor Toma Cayabyab, will perform live. They will interpret the original score by National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab. For Ryan, this revival is proof that classical works continue to evolve with each performance.
“To be able to hear the score again, seeing it move—it’s like watching a memory evolve. I wrote this as a legacy piece, but its return reminds me that legacy isn’t static. Ballet Manila has given the music new breath, and I feel grateful. This re-staging proves that our classics still have something urgent to say,” said Ryan.
Collaboration of Creative Forces
The ballet’s choreography is a collaboration between Gerardo Francisco Jr. and Martin Lawrance. Together, they shape the emotional flow of the performance, highlighting the tension and tenderness within Balagtas’ verse. Their work bridges traditional Filipino storytelling with contemporary ballet.
The libretto, adapted by Dr. Michael Coroza, ensures that the production remains rooted in Balagtas’ language while creating seamless movement across the stage. This adaptation strengthens the connection between literature and dance, making the narrative accessible while staying true to its origins.
Visual Storytelling
The production’s visual landscape is the work of returning set designer Mio Infante and costume designer Therese Arroyo. Drawing inspiration from Persian motifs combined with Filipino aesthetics, they create a stage world that mirrors the kingdom of Berbania. Their designs enhance the ballet’s atmosphere, allowing audiences to immerse themselves fully in the story.
This attention to detail in stagecraft ensures that the visual presentation resonates with the choreography, music, and narrative, giving the audience a complete artistic experience.
Invitation to Audiences
Ballet Manila emphasizes that this is more than a restaging. It is an invitation to return not only to the theater but also to the heart of a national epic. Audiences who missed the earlier runs now have the opportunity to witness the production live, while those who have already seen it are encouraged to experience it again with renewed perspective.
As Ballet Manila states, the performance is “Live, urgent, and unmistakably Filipino.”
Performance Schedule and Ticket Information
All performances will be staged at Aliw Theater in Pasay City. The schedule is as follows:
- October 3, 2025, at 8:00 PM
- October 4, 2025, at 5:00 PM
- October 5, 2025, at 5:00 PM
Tickets are available through www.ticketworld.com.ph. For more information about Ballet Manila and its upcoming productions, visit www.balletmanila.com.ph.
With Florante at Laura, Ballet Manila continues its mission of bringing Filipino culture and heritage to the stage, offering audiences a powerful reminder of the relevance and resonance of national classics.
