Ballet Manila to stage first ballet adaptation of 'Florante at Laura' this October

"Florante at Laura" in ballet? You heard that right.

Ballet Manila is set to showcase the first-ever ballet adaptation of Francisco Balagtas' classic epic poem!

"Florante at Laura" will have its world premiere on October 12 (8 p.m.) followed by two more shows on October 13 (5 p.m.) and 19 (5 p.m.) at the Aliw Theater in Pasay City.

Ballet Manila's "Florante at Laura" is one event to watch out for as it features original music and orchestration by National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab. The Orchestra of the Filipino Youth under the baton of Toma Cayabyab will perform the music for the show.

Esteemed choreographers Gerardo Francisco Jr. and Martin Lawrence also collaborated for the adaptation's choreography, which melds traditional ballet and contemporary dance with Filipino flair.

Dr. Michael Coroza, a poet and one of the country's experts of "balagtasan," also provided his literary expertise to Ballet Manila to ensure that the ballet adaptation of "Florante at Laura" is faithful to the epic.

The new ballet adaptation is produced and helmed by Ballet Manila's artistic director, Lisa Macuja Elizalde, in celebration of her birthday this 2024.

Tickets to "Florante at Laura" are now available, ranging from P1,030 to P3,090 each on Ticketworld online.

"Florante at Laura," a timeless tale of love, heroism, and friendship, is one of the most popular works of Balagtas. It follows the struggles of lovers Florante and Laura under the evil Adolfo, who desires to rule over the Kingdom of Albania.

— CDC, GMA Integrated News