This September 2023, watch out for an exciting return of the hit Filipino rock opera ballet ‘Rama, Hari’ with performances at Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Makati and Metropolitan Theater in Manila. Check out the full schedules below.
Here are the big names and newbies that are joining the show directed and choreographed by National Artist Alice Reyes, with music by National Artist Ryan Cayabyab, lyrics and libretto by National Artist Bienvenido Lumbera, production design by National Artist Salvador Bernal, and translations by National Artist Rolando Tinio.
Playing the lead role of Rama are Gian Magdangal (fresh from his awarded run in 2022’s Carousel), and operatic stunner Arman Ferrer, with 2020 Gawad Buhay Awardee Vien King alternating.
Opposite that is the lead role of Sita to be played musical theater stars Karylle Tatlonghari, and Shiela Valderrama-Martinez, alternated by fresh-face Nica Tupas.
Tackling the kontrabida role of demon king Ravana are the following: Rak of Aegis star Poppert Bernadas, Los Angeles-based musical theater actor Mathew San Jose in his Manila debut, with alternate Jonel Mojica.
For all shows, King Dasaratha will be played by theater icon Audie Gemora.
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 two roles: Rama’s younger brother named Lakshmana, and the monkey general Hanuman.”
The ballet 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.
It 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.
SHOW SCHEDULE
- September 15, 2023 | Friday | 7:30 PM | Metropolitan Theater*
- September 16, 2023 | Saturday | 2:00 PM | Metropolitan Theater
- September 16, 2023 | Saturday | 7:30 PM | Metropolitan Theater*
- September 22, 2023 | Friday | 7:30 PM | Samsung Performing Arts Theater*
- September 23, 2023 | Saturday | 2:00 PM | Samsung Performing Arts Theater
- September 23, 2023 | Saturday | 7:30 PM | Samsung Performing Arts Theater*
*With live music performed by The Orchestra of the Filipino Youth
FUTURE SHOWS
Oct. 20-21, 27-28, 2023:
CARMEN AND OTHER SPIRITS, a mixed bill featuring Alice Reyes’ CARMEN with Production Design by National Artist Salvador Bernal, and new works by young Filipino choreographers.
Dec. 1-2, 2023:
PUSO NG PASKO, an all-Filipino Christmas Ballet celebrating Paskong Pinoy and paying homage to the different fiestas across the Philippine islands. Set to the timeless music of our favorite Filipino Christmas carols arranged by National Artist for Music, Ryan Cayabyab.
TATAK MNL 
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