Ballet Manila Restages Florante at Laura: A Timeless Filipino Epic Returns to Aliw Theater

The stage is set for one of the most anticipated cultural events of the year as Ballet Manila brings back Florante at Laura—a powerful reimagining of Francisco Balagtas’ timeless epic told through myth, music, and classical ballet. After its critically acclaimed world premiere and overwhelming audience reception, this celebrated masterpiece makes its return to Aliw Theater, Pasay City, with performances scheduled on October 3 at 8:00 PM, and October 4 and 5 at 5:00 PM.

Honoring Heritage Through Ballet

For Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, Ballet Manila’s founder and artistic director, this restaging is more than just a repeat performance. It is a cultural reckoning—a way to reconnect Filipinos with their heritage while showcasing the enduring power of Balagtas’ epic in a new artistic form.

“Bringing Florante at Laura back to the stage feels like coming full circle,” Lisa shared. “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.”

Her vision emphasizes that classical ballet, while often associated with Western traditions, can also be a vessel for Filipino storytelling—bridging cultures and reminding audiences of the richness of local literature and art.

A Musical Legacy Reawakened

One of the highlights of this production is the original score by National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab, once again performed live by the Orchestra of the Filipino Youth under the baton of Toma Cayabyab.

Ryan expressed his sentiments about the revival: “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.”

Choreography, Language, and Design

The ballet’s emotional and physical landscapes are shaped by the collaborative genius of choreographers Gerardo Francisco Jr. and Martin Lawrance, who blend passion, tension, and tenderness inspired by Balagtas’ verses. The libretto, adapted by Dr. Michael Coroza, ensures that the production stays rooted in the language and literary spirit of the original work.

On the visual front, set designer Mio Infante and costume designer Therese Arroyo return to define the show’s visual language. Drawing from Persian-inspired motifs infused with Filipino sensibilities, their designs create a breathtaking world that transports audiences back to the kingdom of Berbania—an imaginative backdrop that enriches the epic’s timeless themes of love, sacrifice, and destiny.

A Must-See Cultural Event

The restaging of Florante at Laura is not just a performance—it is an invitation to revisit a classic that remains deeply relevant today. Whether you are experiencing it for the first time or returning to feel its impact once more, this production promises to stir emotions and spark reflection on what it means to be Filipino.

This October, Ballet Manila invites everyone to return to the theater and immerse themselves in a rare celebration of national heritage through dance. For those who missed its earlier stagings, this is your chance to witness history come alive. For those who have seen it before, prepare to be moved again—live, urgent, and unmistakably Filipino.

📍 Venue: Aliw Theater, Pasay City
📅 Show Dates: October 3 (8:00 PM), October 4 & 5 (5:00 PM)
🎟️ Tickets: Available at www.ticketworld.com.ph
🔗 Learn more about Ballet Manila: www.balletmanila.com.ph