Have you ever watched a ballet performance that tells a story, and a comic one at that? If you haven't, you may begin to appreciate classical ballet when you see Ballet Philippines' staging of Coppélia, a popular classic based on a story published in 1815.
A comedy of mistaken identities and deception interpreted through dance, Coppélia tells the story of Swanilda and Franz, who are betrothed to each other. Franz, however, falls in love with Coppélia, a life-like doll created by old Doctor Coppélius.
Jealous and hurt by Franz's flirtation, Swanilda manages to break into the doctor's mysterious house, where she learns that Coppélia is just a mechanical doll. But the arrival of Doctor Coppélius traps Swanilda, forcing her to pretend to be Coppélia come to life, while consequently teaching her fiancé a lesson.
First-time ballet audiences will easily appreciate the story, which has a fascinating plot. "Coppélia is a good start (for appreciating ballet) as it is easy to understand. It's a family ballet—something wives can bring their husbands and children to watch and enjoy," said artistic director Alan Hineline, who began his work with Ballet Philippines in March 2008.
Audiences of Coppélia will also have the privilege of hearing Leo Delibes' music live, courtesy of the Manila Symphony Orchestra. "It has been a while [since] BP [used] live music," Hineline said. "Live music allows interplay [between] performers and the audience, which we are excited to impart with Coppélia."
Coppélia requires dancers to use not only classical ballet techniques, but also their comedic acting skills. It stars Carissa Adea, Candice Adea and Katherine Trofeo as Swanildas and Jayson Pescasio and JM Cordero as Franz.
Coppélia runs from December 11 to 14 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines - Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo. For ticket information, contact Ticketworld at 891-9999.
Photo courtesy of Ballet Philippines
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