Christian Bautista and Karylle play lead roles in ‘Rama, Hari’

MANILA, Philippines—Hit pop ballet musical “Rama, Hari” returns to the Cultural Center of the Philippines this November with a powerhouse cast led by Christian Bautista and Karylle.

Bautista and Karylle will play the lead roles Rama and Sita, backed by an equally powerhouse cast of the country’s leading theater actors and singers: Robert Seña as the demon Ravana, OJ Mariano (alternating as Rama), Kalila Aguilos (alternating as Sita), Christian Rey Marbella, Noel Rayos, Lani Ligot, Amparo Sietereales, and Brezhnev Larlar.

Ballet Philippines’ principal dancers Jean Marc Cordero and Richardson Yadao will essay the role of Rama and Carissa Adea and Katherine Trofeo as Sita.

“Rama, Hari” is Ballet Philippines’ third production this year, following the staging of “Songs” and “Neo-­‐ Filipino: Anting.”

Ballet Philippines’ artistic director Paul Alexander Morales says that what makes “Rama, Hari” special, then and now, is the great collaboration work done by the best Filipino artists on the production, including two national artists.

Choreographed by Ballet Philippines’ founder Alice Reyes, the ballet musical was set to music of maestro Ryan Cayabyab, while National Artist for Literature Bienvenido Lumbera wrote the libretto and National Artist for Theater Design Salvador Bernal did the set and costume design.

The lyrics of “Rama, Hari” are in Filipino, but  English subtitles during the performance are provided by National Artist Rolando Tinio.

Ballet Philippines first staged “Rama, Hari” in 1980 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines with Basil Valdez and Kuh Ledesma as the voices behind Rama and Sita, respectively. Leo Valdez portrayed the role of the evil demon Ravana.

Rama, Hari will have 10 performances from November 30 to December 9 at the CCP Main Theater, with the Manila Symphony Orchestra playing live.