SOPRANO Rachelle Gerodias’ vocal performance was the cherry on top of in Ballet Philippine’s (BP) tribute to women, Inamorata, at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (Main Theater) from September 23 to 25.
“Inamorata is all about woman as the beloved, and as an advocate for women, I am proud to say that our show presents the many aspects of women,” wrote Ballet Philippines president and Miss Universe 1973 Margie Morgan-Floirendo in a message to audiences.
Inamorata was composed of nine segments per show. Each performance illustrated the many roles that the modern-day femme plays in society, making the various struggles she endures and obstacles she conquers known to audiences
The segments also unveiled how people are effortlessly enamored by the female mystique, hence the theme, “woman as the beloved.”
Sopranos and fashion designers in Inamorata
Accompanying the expected display of diverse genres and the company dancers’ precision in technique were voices of the same high caliber.
Gerodias was spotlighted in “Hardin ng Balo (Garden of the Widow)” and “Quando Me’n Vo (Pagputok ng Dibdib).” The former was a strong depiction of an old widow reminiscing about the life she had lived with her family and how she yearned to be with her husband who had gone before her.
“Hardin ng Balo” ended on a sweet note as the late husband eventually summoned his forlorn wife to join him, but this time, for eternity.
While the former highlighted the intricate and well-balanced weave of song and dance, “Quando Me’n Vo” was more of Gerodias’ personal showcase. Accompanied on stage by male dancers looking sharp in suits, the blushing soprano sang about love and its tantalizing ways, but moved about minimally along with the ballerinas who were playing Gerodias’ suitors.
The original libretto by M. Paul Ferrier was translatedby Thomasian and National Artist for Theater and Literature Rolando Tinio.
Alternating with Gerodias was coloratura soprano Lauren Liechtenstein. Another sought-after soprano, Camille Lopez-Molina, performed for the number that summed up the concept of Inamorata titled “Mithi.”
An adaptation of Robert Schumann’s “Frauenliebe und Leben,” Molina worked with Thomasian Peter John Porticos who translated the piece.
Other performances in Inamorata were “Harlequinade,” “Battle of the Sexes,” “Flames of Paris,” “Nanay,” “Dying Swan,” “Everywoman,” “Japayuki,” “Moving Two,” and “Amar Como El Mar.”
Aside from the fine blend of audio and visuals, Inamorata also featured the fashion icons Ito Curata, Jojie Lauren, and Rajo Laurel. ALYOSHA J. ROBILLOS
