The many lives of Sabel

That art begets art could not hold more truth than in Sayaw, Sabel - what promises to be the must-see show this season. A labor of love by Agnes Locsin and her 'babies' from Ballet Philippines, Sayaw, Sabel reflects how Filipinos respond to various life situations. Each show features seven solos strung together by the fluid narrative of Sabel, herself. The lead will be portrayed alternately by theater veterans Nonie Buencamino, Shamaine Buencamino, Maribel Legarda and Melvin Lee. Sabel has her roots in National Artist Benedicto "BenCab" Cabrera's iconic figure, and in Jose Rizal's Sisa. Though Sabel has a feminine ring to it, Lee, one of the actors to portray Sabel, points out that the figure is neither male nor female. "The role for me is a genderless character. Sabel is just a name that just so happens to sound like it's assigned to a female character. Historically, in the Sabel painting, babaeng taong grasa ang inspiration ni BenCab. But I approach it so that the emotion links to the whole concept of Sabel." Another actor playing the lead, Buencamino also says the role is intriguing. "It's Sabel. So I'll be playing it as a man. I have to stretch my imagination. I haven't figured out yet if I will play it as a woman or as a man whose symbol is Sabel." Dwight Rodrigazo, who choreographed his own performance "Batak," says they all become Sabel. "Yung iba, naiwan ng asawa o na-rape kaya nagiging Sabel. Ang sa akin, 'yung naging adik, pinagdaanan ko 'yan." The project dives deep into the psyche, and as a result, is heavy with emotion. Locsin explains that the performers are all old-time friends, and each piece was appropriated to the dancer in a perfect match. Locsin said, "I know them so well. I know their personalities, I know their strengths. (Each piece) is to their capacity, which is amazing." Judell de Guzman-Sicam shows the effects of stress and work pressure with a frenzied 'Kayod'; Annette Cruz-Mariano evokes intense pain of being in war - torn Mindanao in 'Sugatan'; Camille Ordinario-Joson portrays an obsessive-compulsive in 'Ako Una'; Christine Crame paints a desolate picture of a deceived lover with 'Abandonada'; Alden Lugnasin expresses the joys and pains of an overseas worker in 'Bagong Bayani'; and Perry Sevidal remembers to forget suffering Alzheimer's disease as she dances 'Sino Ka?' Their poetry in motion is set to the music of Louie Ocampo, Joey Ayala, and a selection of OPM songs by Jakob Rodriguez. There is actual poetry, too, as National Artist for Literature Bienvenido Lumbera colors in with his lines for Bagong Bayani. Despite the weight of Sayaw, Sabel's theme, the dancers and actors are all elated to be working on the project. "Hindi masyadong stressful 'yung creation, kasi in a way, (we work) at our own pace," said Lee. Similarly, Ordinario-Joson says it's more fun now to work with Locsin. "Before, teacher namin siya, trainor. Ngayon, we're really just more friends. But of course, she is still Agnes." She also praises Locsin for her methods. "She knows how to draw emotions out. It's very clear to her what she wants. So when she creates, she creates from that frame of mind. 'Yung pinanggagalingan ng thoughts, rooted na doon sa emotion." Except for Sevidal, they had all been together more than a decade ago in Ballet Philippines. They've all moved on, but there is an obvious chemistry in the way they work together. Locsin moves around the rehearsal studio like a mother hen fussing over her chicks. The conversation is light and relaxed, despite the pressure of the first show just around the corner. The performers laugh easily, but their respect for Locsin as the boss is evident. They warm up, go through some scenes, and then they run through the whole show. Although the pace is tentative, and some parts yet unsure - every movement is on fire. These are, after all, a few of the best in the country - and even after years of not dancing onstage - these dancers have most definitely got it. - GMANews.TV Sayaw, Sabel opens this Saturday, June 26 at the PETA theater with a 2pm matinee show and a 7pm gala. Sayaw, Sabel will be shown in Metro Manila, Laguna, Bacolod, Iloilo and Davao City come June and July, 2010. Banner Photo by Victor Ursabia