An Adventure with Ballet Philippines' Peter Pan—A Joyful Holiday Premiere
A most beloved classic about expressing your inner child, appreciating life’s little moments of joy, and treasuring the meaningful bonds built with friends are the themes of BP’s Christmas performance
October 31, 2024
Ballet Philippines’ Christmas performances have become a tradition to many to welcome the season with cheer and festivity. This season is no different with the beloved childhood classic, Peter Pan to be staged from December 6 to 8, 2024 at The Theatre at Solaire.
The last time Peter Pan graced the stage with Ballet Philippines was in 2015, but this new production promises to take audiences on an exhilarating journey, presenting a fresh and unique interpretation unlike any they’ve experienced before. Prepare for an adventure that is sure to enchant and delight!
Ballet Philippines’ Artistic Director, Mikhail ‘Misha’ Martynyuk shares, “I specifically didn't look at Peter Pan from another company or past productions. So I have nothing to compare with my version. For this, I read the book, studied places, and details. Then I made a draft. After that, I read the book again to look from another angle and to find deeper details.What was the result? We'll see in December!”
While Peter Pan, originally written by J.M. Barrie is set in England, many aspects of the story will resonate deeply with Filipino audiences. The strong familial bonds portrayed in the story reflect the Filipino emphasis on family values. Wendy’s nurturing role and her dedication to her brothers embody the importance of looking after one another, highlighting the deep-rooted significance of family in Filipino culture. There are numerous other elements in the story that will connect with audiences, making it a must-see production.
After Ballet Philippines’ season-opener La Sylphide garnered rave reviews, the dancers and Misha quickly dove back into rehearsals, determined to keep the creative energy and exceptional choreography flowing.
As Ballet Philippines’ President, Kathleen Liechtenstein excitedly declares, “Peter Pan will bring the magic of Christmas to the stage this holiday season to delight young and old alike!”
Audiences can expect beautifully crafted costumes—ranging from whimsical designs to vibrant colors—that will immerse them in the enchanting world of Neverland. Eleanora Martynyuk, BP’s emerging costume designer, when asked about the most challenging and exciting aspects of creating costumes for a ballet production like Peter Pan, where movement and functionality are just as crucial as visual impact, declares,
“It’s important to recognize that this performance follows the classic form of ballet, featuring many duets, adagios, and full pas de deux between Wendy and Peter Pan. Wendy's dress needs to have smooth lines and be fitted at the waist to ensure it doesn’t interfere with her partner during the complex dance elements. Captain Hook is another unique character; he embodies duality, which is reflected in his costume—some elements are elegant, while others are distinctly pirate-like. As a gentleman with a good education, there is a darker side to his character. Thus, we design his suit to highlight the contrasting features of his personality.”
“My inspiration in this production is three components: history, music and choreographic line,” she adds.
Audiences can therefore look forward to beautiful costumes, vibrant and new choreography, and the meticulous vision of Ballet Philippines’ Artistic Director combined to create a truly magical experience in Peter Pan. Each element, from the intricately designed attire to the captivating dance sequences, works harmoniously to tell a story that brings immense joy to audiences of all ages.
In line with Ballet Philippines’ 55th season theme, RELEVÉ, this version of Peter Pan celebrates the spirit of rising above challenges, soaring through the power of imagination and believing in the impossible. Themes that are very much relevant today as they were when the story was written.
Join us in celebrating the timeless tale of Peter Pan this December 6, 7 and 8 at The Theatre at Solaire, Solaire Resort Entertainment City. For tickets, visit BP’s official website at www.ballet.ph or purchase through Ticketworld
