ARDP’s Encantada: Storytelling at its finest!
Judah and I just watched Alice Reyes Dance Philippines’ (ARDP) restaging of Agnes Locsin’s Encantada, at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater on Saturday afternoon of April 15, let me tell you –this company means business! ARDP comes thundering with a magnificent storytelling of a folklore, potent of our history, culture and heritage.
I suddenly became fully aware that there were many non-Filipinos in the audience that afternoon and I felt myself holding my head high to this thought- “Bear witness what our artists can conceive and deliver!”
Bravo, Ms. Agnes Locsin! Bravo, ARDP!
The gist
Encantada is about the oppression experienced by the Taong Bayan at the hands of a Spanish Fraile. Unable to stomach it any longer, the Estranghero rebels and steals the precious imagen guarded by the Fraile and his sakristans, and escapes with it to the mountains, but not before he was wounded by the Guardias Civil.
The Encantada and the Kababaihan intervene and frighten his attackers before they were able to kill him. Led by the Babaylan, they cared for him and healed him.
The grateful Estranghero offered the imagen to the Encantada and became one with the Kababaihan.
The Fraile’s Guardias Civil eventually found him and beheaded him, angering the Kababaihan who waged war against them despite the Encantada‘s objection. The women were defeated and violated by the Fraile and his guardias, who also proceeded to ravage and burn the forest, and all that live in it.
Gutted, the Encantada sends torrents of waters streaming down the mountains, sweeping away the Fraile and his army, and cleansing the Earth.
Beautiful Encantada!
Sarah Alejandro, who took on the role of the Encantada was every bit enchanting and mesmerising, and consistently so, from the moment she entered our view. She looked so beautiful and her every movement was soft and gentle, and breathtaking. She was perfect. My throat hurt from all the screaming I did when she took her bow.
Lester Reguindin’s Fraile, on the other hand, was strong and commanding, and exhibited authority necessary for his part. He acted the hell out of this role, piercing eyes and all, and it worked — he was menacing to the core!
The sets (and the props) were fantastic, too! The one with the altar was like seeing traditional Filipino comics come to life.
I have many favourite parts in the show, such as the body of the Estranghero, played by John Ababon, being swept towards the shore, with the waters depicted by women rolling gently on their backs and knees, carrying him until he was set down safely. The inventiveness and imagination was astounding.
I wasn’t able to see Yadao’s version of Estranghero, but I think that Ababon’s portrayal was sterling. It wasn’t loud, but the depth of the character was felt. That was good casting.
The role of Babaylan was played by Carissa Adea. One of the things I love about her was that her dancing supported the Encantada when they were together in scenes. She has incredible presence all on her own, but you can tell she understood her place in the story. That takes sophisticated skill and awareness of her character. And when it was her turn to shine, shine she did.
I recognize the choreography done by the guardias, we’ve been introduced to it in previous ARDP Pulso Pilipinas productions last year. And while I gather that it was created as a standalone number, it was quite stunning to see it done in the context of the Fraile’s little army.
The massive bob heads used to depict the beheading of the so-called rebels among the townsfolk was a brilliant way to put emphasis on the barbarism the people suffered under cruel leadership. It should be enough for us to reflect on our history under colonial rule and perhaps, prod us to reflect on the mindset that part of our history has ingrained in us as a people. Cycles need to be broken.
The confrontation was one for the books. I love the strength displayed by the group of women that went against the guardias. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I think Ms. Locsin, known for introducing neo-ethnic choreography in Philippine ballet, said in an interview once that she plays by the strengths of her dancers. If that’s the case, she has definitely brought out the best in the cast. From where I was seated, there was no talent left unutilized and they all looked amazing up there.
Special mention to Katrene San Miguel who played one of the Kababaihans. She caught my eye, most particularly during the battle scene, and drew me into both her anger and anguish . Everyone else were in the moment, for sure, but she took the lead on this one.
The confrontation was also my sons’ favourite scene in the show. Pablo says it reminds him of the movie, 300, but….dance. We didn’t watch the show together, they caught the evening show, but I knew they were going to love every minute of it. Battle choreographies – that’s Pablo’s thing.
And true enough, my two older sons, Pablo and Lukas came rushing to me after the show to tell me what I already know, “Encantada is epic!!!”
And why wouldn’t it be? Four renowned Filipino artists collaborated on the creation of this masterpiece – Ms. Agnes Locsin, National Artist for Dance, the incomparable Joey Ayala for the music, Librettist, Al Santos and National Artist for and Father of Theatre Design, the late Salvador Bernal.
Encantada is just the company’s opening act of the year, and already, they’ve raised the bar way up high. It’s dance theatre at its most magnificent…..
…………….and they’re just getting started.
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Check out what ARDP has in store for theatre fans this 2023:
Encantada has another run at The Metropolitan Theater in Manila on April 21 & 22. Admission is free, unfortunately, registration has closed as of this writing. But you may still visit their page and try signing up to see if registration re-opens. But I’m telling you, seats to ARDP shows are quick to run out, so you need to act fast if you don’t want to miss any more of their shows.
Best way to get guaranteed seats and avoid missing ARDP’s future shows is to sign up for a subscription. Click this link to subscribe: https://forms.gle/9wMV1Vfw91orBcjo8
Or you may contact ARDP’s Liaison officer, Kurt Cupon on mobile/Viber number 0977 799 0921, or email him at
[email protected].
Let’s get behind and support our local artists and productions. See you at the theatre!!
20 Comments
Jennifer L Prince
This sounds like such a beautiful show! I love it when a character entrances you, and it seems like the girl who played the title character did just that.
Kimberley
My mother and grandmother would always take me to theatre performances, but I haven’t really gone as an adult. I should make effort and visit a performance again. This sounds like I would love this performance. Thank you for sharing.
Maureen
Oh wow, this show sounds amazing. I was mesmerized from what you mentioned in your post and intrigued to see this myself! It would be an experience for sure.
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
Debbie
Thank you for sharing your experience of Alice Reyes Dance Philippines’ performance of Encantada. This sounds like a truly memorable experience and it’s great that they are just getting started with more to come!
Nyxie
This sounds empowering! What an experience. I know if I went to see something like this I couldn’t help but feel angry for those suffering at the hands of oppression. I tend to be very empathic towards things like this.
Stephanie
I love going to the theater but have only been to kid’s shows in the past decade with my boys. This looks like a gorgeously made show with such a powerful story.
Kristy Bullard
This sounds like an amazing performance! It sounds like the cast did a beautiful job of telling this heartbreaking story through dance.
Monidipa Dutta
I enjoyed reading your article about ARDP’s Encantada storytelling event. The way you described the event and its impact on the audience was engaging and well-written.
Olga
I love art and dance shows. I like how beautiful people tell us stories with their movements. I hope my sons will love theatre and appreciate artistic people. Thank you for the interesting article.
Fransic verso
I haven’t been to something like that. it looks fun and worth going to. Thank you for sharing your experience. That’s unfortunate it runs our quickly.
Beth
Wow, such a great show. I wanted to watch their second performance! Too bad I could not make it till the registration.
briannemanzb
This is such a beautiful show and I love the story that it tells. I really appreciate theater shows like this. Encantada is a great one!
Rosey
it sounds like they did a wonderful job. If your throat hurts from cheering it MUST be good!!
Angela
This sounds like an amazing show! I loved reading your experience with it! It sounds like something my daughter and I would really enjoy!
Melanie E
I do love to go to the theatre to see different shows when I can. It sounds like you wanted a pretty spectacular performance there. It does help when the sets and props are really good as it makes a big difference to the overall look and feel. It’s a shame registration has now closed. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Michael
I miss watching shows like this in person! Iba yung dating eh no pag live! kakamiss! Ganda ng mga shots!
Sonia Seivwright
I love theatres. This is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a show in peace. This one right here sounds like a beautiful show to watch.
Blair Villanueva
We have so many talented artists in the Philippines and their crafts are all pang-world class talaga! I wish na sana makapag-perform din sila sa international stage like here in Melbourne.
Chloe
Ah this sounds like a beautiful performance! I loved attending ballets and shows in NYC and would love to attend if i was nearby. I hope they have a successful season!
Tyler james
This sounds like an amazing performance! It sounds like the cast did a beautiful job of telling this heartbreaking story through dance.