Hit Filipino rock opera ballet, Rama Hari, is set to be restaged by Alice Reyes Dance Philippines with some of the hottest names in today’s music and theater scene taking the major roles.
This play is a collaboration among five National artists – direction and choreography by Alice Reyes and music by Ryan Cayabyab, with lyrics and libretto by Bienvenido Lumbera, Production design by Salvador Bernal and Translations by Rolando Tinio.
Musical theater stars Karylle Tatlonghari, and Shiela Valderrama-Martinez take on the lead role of Sita, with fresh-face Nica Tupas alternating.
Tackling the kontrabida role of demon king Ravana are Rak of Aegis star Poppert Bernadas and Los Angeles-based musical theater actor Mathew San Jose making his Manila debut. Jonel Mojico alternates.
Theater icon Audie Gemora plays King Dasaratha in all shows.
Up-and-coming theater artists, Miah Canton, and Raflesia Bravo tackle the dual roles of Soorpanakha and Kooni, while Katrine Sunga and Maron Rozelle Mabana do double duty as Kaikeyi and “Gintong Usa.”
Paw Castillo and Jon Abella take on the roles of Rama’s Younger Brother, Lakshmana, and the monkey general Hanuman.
Arman says of the role, “It has been my dream role since we did it back in 2017 at the ASEAN Opening Ceremonies. I have a lot of friends at Alice Reyes Dance Philippines and I’m really excited to work with them again.”
“I’m so excited to be doing this show with Alice Reyes Dance Philippines. This is a dream role and I am so grateful.” Shiela also shares.
Karylle says, ”I’m excited to see what RAMA, HARI will become this 2023.”
RAMA, HARI is based on the ancient Sanskrit epic Ramayana which follows Prince Rama from his marriage to Sita, their 14-year banishment, and their encounters with the evil Ravana and his sister Soorpanakha.
RAMA, HARI is presented by the Cultural Center of the Philippines and features the artists of the Alice Reyes Dance Philippines (ARDP) and the CCP’s Professional Artist Support Program (PASP), with guests from Guang Ming College, and other regional schools who actively participated in previous ARDP and PASP Productions.
Catch any of the shows from September 15 to 16, 2023 at the Metropolitan Theater or September 22 to 23, 2023 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater.
About the Author
Apple Gamboa is the Life Editor of SubSelfie.com.
She was previously a Media Relations Manager for Ogilvy Philippines and an interview and field producer for GMA News programs Quick Response Team and News to Go. She was also a producer of lifestyle TV shows and documentaries. Travelling and music are her passion, and taking risks is her reality medicine. Journalism 2010, UST. Read more of her articles here.
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