After three decades, the landmark production “Itim Asu” returns to the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Main Theater as part of the Ballet Philippines’ 50th season.
Itim Asu is based on the three ritual scenes from Virginia Moreno’s award-winning play the “Onyx Wolf” with music by National Artist for Music Antonino Buenaventura. The story centers around Governor-General Bustamante’s wife, Luisa, who seeks revenge after her husband was assassinated in 1719 by a hooded mob in the Residencia in Intramuros for carrying out the Royal Orders to stop the Galleon Trade corruptions by religious and influential people.
The ballet premiered in 1970 with the now-National Artist for Dance Alice Reyes essaying the role of the vengeful governor-general’s wife.
The CCP was just inaugurated the year before, in 1969, and soon after the Alice Reyes Modern Dance Company was established. Reyes began to choreograph Itim Asu. It would become one of her most important works to date.
The role of the governor-general’s wife was later on played by Edna Vida in 1984, then Sofia Zobel and Tina Fargas, who alternately played the role in 1990. Itim Asu was last staged in 1990.
“This production became the catalyst for modern dance choreography in the Philippines and showcases the company’s strength in varying dance styles,” a BP statement said.
“It has paved the way for Ballet Philippines’ journey to where the company is today. It is considered one of the most highly anticipated and beloved dance masterpieces in this Golden Anniversary Season” it said.
In this production, BP expresses its relevant views on humanity, revealing how dance has become a nation’s true social and historical barometer, BP said.
The “Other Dances” are “Glinka’s Valse,” choreography by Adam Sage; “The Weight on Our Toes,” choreography by Erl Sorilla; “Carmen Pas de Deux,” choreography by Augustus “Bam” Damian; “We Men,” choreography by Lester Reguindin; and “Ne neh le dej,” choreography by David Campos.
In this production, BP expresses its relevant views on humanity, revealing how dance has become a nation’s true social and historical barometer, BP said.
The “Other Dances” are “Glinka’s Valse,” choreography by Adam Sage; “The Weight on Our Toes,” choreography by Erl Sorilla; “Carmen Pas de Deux,” choreography by Augustus “Bam” Damian; “We Men,” choreography by Lester Reguindin; and “Ne neh le dej,” choreography by by David Campos.
The “Other Dances” are “Glinka’s Valse,” choreography by Adam Sage; “The Weight on Our Toes,” choreography by Erl Sorilla; “Carmen Pas de Deux,” choreography by Augustus “Bam” Damian; “We Men,” choreography by Lester Reguindin; and “Ne neh le dej,” choreography by David Campos.
Itim Asu and Other Dances runs from Feb. 21 – 23, 2020 at the CCP Main Theater. Show dates and schedules are as follows:
February 21, 2020 | 8:00 PM
February 22, 2020 | 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM
February 23, 2020 | 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Get your tickets exclusively at TicketWorld (8891-9999), CCP Box Office (8832-3704), or Ballet Philippines Box Office (8551-1003) or online at https://bit.ly/33DsBkx as well as in all Ticketworld outlets.
Enjoy 15% savings when you use your RCBC Credit Card to purchase tickets in any TicketWorld Outlet or CCP Box Office.
You can also enjoy 15% savings when you use your Rustan’s Frequent Shopper Program (FSP) Card and Rustan’s Beauty Addict Card to purchase tickets in any TicketWorld outlet or CCP Box Office.
Avail of real 0% interest when you subscribe to Ballet Philippines’ Golden Season Tickets using your BPI Credit Card with a minimum spend of P3,000 (Gold Mastercard, Blue Mastercard, Petron Mastercard, Corporate Mastercard, Skymiles Platinum Mastercard, Skymiles Mastercard, Amore Visa Platinum, Visa Signature). This is valid for three- and six-month installment plans until August 8, 2020.
All Intellicare members are also entitled to 15% off on ticket purchases.
This production is made possible through the generosity of our esteemed partners and sponsors.
Ballet Philippines, the country’s preeminent dance company, is celebrating 50 years of dance excellence. Don’t miss the celebration! Get your Golden Ticket by subscribing to Ballet Philippines this season at http://ballet.ph/subscribe. You can also call 8551-1003, 09566379432 (Globe) and 09212921282 (Smart) to subscribe. Choose, reserve, and get the best seats before anyone else!
For more information, connect to Ballet Philippines online:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/balletphilippines
Instagram: @balletphilippines
YouTube: balletph
Website: http://www.ballet.ph
Photos by Jojo Mamangun
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