‘Rama, Hari’ Returns on Stage this November

‘Rama, Hari’ Returns on Stage this November

“Rama, Hari,” the hit pop ballet musical based on the Indian epic Ramayana, is returning to CCP stage this November, with a powerhouse cast of the country’s best singers and dancers.

This year’s staging of “Rama, Hari” will star two of ABS-CBN’s most talented stars, Christian Bautista and Karylle in the lead roles of Rama and Sita, backed by an equally powerhouse cast of the country’s leading theater actors and singers: Robert Seña as the demon Ravana, OJ Mariano (alternating as Rama), Kalila Aguilos (alternating as Sita), Cristian Rey Marbella, Noel Rayos, Lani Ligot, Amparo Sietereales and Brezhnev Larlar. ABS-CBN is the official media partner of “Rama, Hari.”

Ballet Philippines’ principal dancers Jean Marc Cordero and Richardson Yadao will essay the role of Rama and Carissa Adea and Katherine Trofeo as Sita.

“Rama, Hari” is Ballet Philippines’ third production this year, following the staging of “Songs” and “Neo-Filipino: Anting”

Ballet Philippines’ Artistic Director Paul Alexander Morales says that what makes “Rama, Hari,” special, then and now, is the great collaboration work done by the best Filipino artists on the production, including two national artists.

Choreographed by Ballet Philippines’ founder Alice Reyes, the ballet musical was set to music of maestro Ryan Cayabyab, while National Artist for Literature Bienvenido Lumbrera wrote the libretto and National Artist for Theater Design Salvador Bernal did the set and costume design.

The lyrics of “Rama, Hari” are in Filipino, but there will be English subtitles during the performance, translated by National Artist Rolando Tinio.

Ballet Philippines first staged “Rama, Hari” in 1980 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines with Basil Valdez and Kuh Ledesma as the voice behind Rama and Sita, respectively. Leo Valdez portrayed the role of the evil demon Ravana.

“Rama, Hari” will have 10 performances from November 30 to December 9 at the CCP Main Theater, with the Manila Symphony Orchestra playing live. For tickets and inquiries call Ballet Philippines at 551-1003 or Ticketworld at 891-9999. Visit www.ballet.ph or www.facebook.com/balletphilippines.