BALLET PHILIPPINES’ LIMANG DAAN: 500 Years of Philippine History Told Through The Eyes Of Feminism

By Ballet Philippines
February 20, 2024

BALLET PHILIPPINES is set to end its 54th season this March 8, 2024, at the Theatre at Solaire with Limang Daan, a full-length original ballet that follows a series of cross-generational heroines who mirror one another through their experiences of pain, suffering and transcendence. Set to premiere during International Women’s Day, the serial production aims to illuminate the struggles of Filipino women in a time-bending narrative that spans roughly 500 years.

“Limang Daan is an important narrative about Filipino feminism,” shared Ballet Philippines President Kathleen Liechtenstein. “It’s about the struggles, joys and hopes of Filipinas then and now. It is about how we have transcended the unforgiving patriarchy to become the Filipinas we are today. It is a very exciting ballet that remains timely, relevant, and very relatable. It is everyone’s story.”

Choreographed by Ballet Philippines Artistic Director Mikhail “Misha” Martynyuk, the upcoming production showcases excellence in Philippine dance and artistry. It also sparks a compelling dialogue on the struggles that women have endured throughout our complex history. “You will see four fragments of time affecting different epochs of the country where the main female characters have left their mark,” says Martynyuk. “Limang Daan will present Filipino culture in a diversity of dance styles. It will also feature a complex coordination of choreography, music, light, and costume design.”

About Limang Daan

In 2022, Ballet Philippines, through the patronage of Salcedo Auctions, staged Limang Daan, a short video performance depicting 500 years of cross-cultural encounters in which Philippine art and culture was heavily influenced by Spain. This year, Ballet Philippines will close its 54th season with a full-length ballet loosely-inspired by the dance film.

The new iteration of Limang Daan follows the libretto of acclaimed filmmaker and writer, Moira Lang. Lang tells the story of multiple heroines struggling during different periods of time.

PRESENT DAY. Ana, a Filipina nurse in New York, contends not only with the punishing workload as a health provider. She must also learn to face the unwanted advances of a superior.

450 YEARS AGO IN THE VISAYAS. Amihan is a non-binary babaylan (Filipino shaman) who must face the consequences of refusing the salvation promised by “men of God.”

1969, CHICO RIVER, CORDILLERAS. Three Cordilleran women Petra, Edena, and Leticia—defy guns, goons, and gold to protect the motherland from despots deigning to dictate their future.

A CONVENT IN THE LATE 19TH CENTURY. Maria Clara leaps from the pages of Jose Rizal’s Noli “Me Tangere” to embody a repressed nun who finally comes to her senses—and sensuousness. A duel with the convent’s Mother Superior looms.

1904,,ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, USA. Gawani, an Igorot woman recruited to be part of the “human zoo” of the St. Louis World’s Fair in 1904, finds strength in the women who have preceded her and those that are still to follow.

Behind the Curtain: Our Creative Collaborators

Librettist Moira Lang has built a career writing acclaimed films such as Norte, The End of History (2013) and Anak (2000). Accompanying her libretto is the music of established composers Erwin Romulo and Malek Lopez. Ballet Philippines has also tapped renowned fashion designer JC Buendia to create the company’s costumes. The production will be directed by Ballet Philippines Artistic Director Mikhail “Misha” Martynyuk.

Limang Daan will premiere this coming March 8, 2024 at The Theatre at Solaire, the best-in-class entertainment venue located at the heart of the luxury resort and casino. The state-of-the-art theater boasts 1,740 seats, and is equipped with the Constellation Acoustic System, a sound system specifically designed to give patrons the richest sensory experience. Since opening its doors in 2014, The Theatre at Solaire has become a widely popular venue in the entertainment industry, attracting talent such as Sting, Lea Salonga, and David Foster. It has been the theatrical home of Ballet Philippines for the last two years.

For more information about Ballet Philippines’ LIMANG DAAN, visit www.ballet.ph.