CCP: Rama Hari is Ballet Phillippines & Ballet Philippines is Rama Hari

Rama Hari is based on the Indian epic tale “Ramayana” and the 3^rd offering of Ballet Philippines this year with limited engagement at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Main Theater from November 30 to December 09.

          I was fortunate I was able to watch this one of a kind stage play. A very rare and unusual stage play in which Filipino audience had witnessed.

I was mesmerized and amazed on the collaboration of dance (thru ballet), song (at certain part lyric poetry), acting and live music. The degree of difficulty is so intense that every production number is in-sync with all the elements of the play.

Rama Hari seemed to be an old form of storytelling that was puppet but this time acting like live human wherein the singers rendered songs that is being interpreted thru movements by the dancers.

It is the story about the love overcoming all obstacles from the dark powers and enchantment of his rival foe, Ravana and Lakshara’s admiration to Rama. When separated, the lovers fought the challenge along the way and found one true love within each other’s’ arms. Finally, Rama and Sita lived happily ever after and soon after Rama was crowned king.

The play is astounding especially the artistic production design and choreography. And it established the appeal that the viewers of the show expected from it. It had dramatic moments for each character and the dance performance and song audition coincide perfectly.

Overall, Rama Hari is one of the best stage play adaptation of the Philippines and can possibly be staged abroad. An overwhelming play that time and effort is worth it to spend.      




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written together with Ms. Paulette Loraine T. Yu