Magical Bernal in Peter Pan
Mermaids frolic in lagoon- costumes & set by National Artist for Theater Salvador Bernal; Ballet Philippines’ Peter Pan runs from December 4-13, 2015 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo of the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista
Written and photographed
By Jude Bautista
The most powerful performance needs the proper mood, through its surroundings and costumes, ambience if you will. This is where the power and magic of Salvador Bernal comes in. While not being gaudy or complex they somehow very easily transport audiences in this case to Neverland.
foreground from right: Eugene Obille (Indian Chief), Katrene San Miguel (Tiger Lily), Jean Marc Gordero (Peter Pan) and Victor Maguad (John). Ballet Philippines’ Peter Pan runs from December 4-13, 2015 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo of the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista
Ballet Philippines’ Peter Pan will run from December 4-13, 2015 at the CCP’s Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (Main Theater). If there is only one live show you will take your family to make it BP’s Peter Pan. Whether your age is 6 or 96 it’s sure to be a thrill.
Kids went crazy when they had the chance to meet the cast after the show. Ballet Philippines’ Peter Pan runs from December 4-13, 2015 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo of the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista
Peter pan is one of the biggest hits from BP. Artistic Director Paul Alexander Morales said, “Some people tell us do it every year. Because we’re a repertory company we don’t want to keep repeating the same show. Its the most repeated show, a show we love and very proud of it. Its from world culture but its also very Filipino because its Edna’s (Froilan) choreography and Salvador Bernal’s design.”
Clockwise from top: Jean Marc Cordero (Peter Pan), Rita Angela Winder (Wendy), Daniel Andes (Michael) & Victor Maguad (John). Ballet Philippines’ Peter Pan runs from December 4-13, 2015 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo of the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista
During the flight to Neverland a singular red moon hangs behind Peter, Wendy & the kids. The heavenly body is there but not overpowering in its presence. It aids the illusion of light and travelling a great distance.
The Lost Boys in Neverland- production design by National Artist for Theater Salvador Bernal. Ballet Philippines’ Peter Pan runs from December 4-13, 2015 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo of the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista
Sets & Costumes
Although the first Ballet Philippines version was more than 2 decades ago the sets designs are still very much from Salvador Bernal’s work. Morales was able to explain how they achieved this, “It was designed in 1983 we’ve done it 6 times already but what’s very fortuitous about that is when Badong was here they built the production design center. Part of that mandate is to preserve the actual designs. The sets we don’t have storage space we have to recycle each every time.”
London bedroom – production design by National Artist for Theater Salvador Bernal. Ballet Philippines’ Peter Pan runs from December 4-13, 2015 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo of the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista
Badong is the Filipino nickname for National Artist for Theater Design Salvador Bernal. From official program: He has ‘designed more than 300 productions distinguished for their originality since 1969. As the acknowledged guru of contemporary Filipino theater design Bernal has shared his skills with younger designers through his classes at U.P., A.D.M.U. He also created programs for the CCP Production Design Center which he himself conceptualized and organized.’
Rita Angela Winder (Wendy); Ballet Philippines’ Peter Pan runs from December 4-13, 2015 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo of the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista
Some of the costumes were also copied from original designs, “The costumes we are able to keep. Maybe one or two are still from the original show. Sometimes we repeat them but usually we can copy from the original. Some are brand new I won’t tell you which. Some are very old. You’ll be surprised some of the costumes are from the 1970s or 80s, it happens. But of course it depends if it still looks good. It’s really our pleasure and honor to show them again. Not just the costumes but how the sets move. From a big cave it becomes a boat and all of that. All that magic, that’s really Salvador’s contribution and their great collaboration with our dressmakers.”
Garry Corpuz (Captain Hook); Ballet Philippines’ Peter Pan runs from December 4-13, 2015 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo of the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista
In order to ensure the designs are followed to the exacting standards of Bernal, his long time student and apprentice Ricardo ‘Eric’ Cruz was assigned the lead. As consultant he heads the reproduction of these designs and sometimes adapts them to the current needs. Eric also serves as Chief Culture and the Arts officer of the Production Design and Technical Services Division under the Production and Exhibition Dept. of the CCP.
Mermaids frolic in lagoon- costumes & set by National Artist for Theater Salvador Bernal; Ballet Philippines’ Peter Pan runs from December 4-13, 2015 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo of the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista
The mermaid lagoon was more dependent on costumes. Instead of literal mermaid fins Bernal completely did away with it. He emphasized the bare beautiful legs of the BP Ballerinas and knew they were just as enchanting.
Mermaids frolic in lagoon- costumes & set by National Artist for Theater Salvador Bernal; Ballet Philippines’ Peter Pan runs from December 4-13, 2015 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo of the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista
In the lead role is Jean Marc Cordero. He considers it a privilege to wear Badong Bernal’s costumes, “Fan ako ng costume ni sir Badong. Palagi may weight may texture pag inilawan mo dumidikit yung ilaw. Hindi siya separate sa ilaw. So ever since kahit anung costume na ginawa niya. Sila lang naman gumawa ng costume ng BP. Pag may ginawa akong classic na BP work alam kong sila yon. Nakakabili sila ng magagandang tela before. Pagmay magandang tela before ngayon pinapattern na lang. Mahirap hanapin certain tela. Pero atleast nandun pa rin yung look. Yung palette niya ang galing ng mix and match ng colors.”
Garry Corpuz (Captain Hook) is chased by Jimmy Mateo (Crocodile). Ballet Philippines’ Peter Pan runs from December 4-13, 2015 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo of the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista
Lighting & Choreography
Working in concert with production design is the fine art of lighting. Through hues and shapes of the light we’re convinced it’s in a lagoon, Neverland or a London bedroom. Lighting director John Batalla is a veteran of countless productions not just from BP but Tanghalang Pilipino and many concerts. He has also won Gawad Buhay for his work in Repertory Philippines’ EQUUS in 2010 and BP’s ENCANTADA (2011) by National Artist for Dance Agnes Locsin.
from left: Composer Rony Fortich with Lighting Designer John Batalla. Photo is from TRIPLE THREATS SERIES featuring composer Rony Fortich last October 22, 2015 at the CCP’s Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino. Photo by Jude Bautista
Choreography is at the heart of the staging as dialogue is set to a minimum. Morales describes Edna Froilan’s work, “The choreography is quite eclectic she only has a few characters on point. Some do a little modern some Broadway sensibility. But the great thing about Edna is she has a childlike spirit. That appeals to the children.”
Rita Angela Winder (Wendy); Ballet Philippines’ Peter Pan runs from December 4-13, 2015 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo of the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista
Edna Vida Froilan is easily one of the most prestigious choreographers in the country. Her complete works apart from Peter Pan include: NUTCRACKER, ALICE IN WONDERLAND, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, TAMING OF THE SHREW, IBONG ADARNA, GARDENIA, THE LITTLE TAILOR and A CHRISTMAS CAROL. The program states, “Her contemporary works for Ballet Philippines, Ballet Manila and the Philippine Ballet Theater have been performed worldwide with critical acclaim.”
Indians & the Lost Boys- costumes by National Artist for Theater Salvador Bernal; Ballet Philippines’ Peter Pan runs from December 4-13, 2015 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo of the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista
Peter Pan has a special place in her heart having been born in the same year the first musical was produced on Broadway. And having just given birth to her eldest son when given the chance to choreograph, what was then the very first ballet version. Her husband Nonoy Froilan was to be in the lead role of that original production.
from left: Choreographer/ Writer Edna Vida Froilan, Mabining Mandirigma Costume Designer James Reyes and friends. Photo is from Tanghalang Pilipino’s MABINING MANDIRIGMA premiere last July 5, 2015 at the CCP’s Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino. Photo by Jude Bautista
As a contributing writer to the Philippine Star, The Manila Times, Business Daily, her own notes best describe the experience: “Who really is Peter Pan? The answer is an open window to our imaginations. Why didn’t he want to grow up? How did the Lost Boys get to Neverland? Why does Hook with a British accent have such a Spanish flair? I tell the dancers go figure! Create your own history be an onion and create those layers to become tangible characters.”
Jean Marc Cordero (Peter Pan) flies over audiences; Ballet Philippines’ Peter Pan runs from December 4-13, 2015 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo of the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista
Kids went crazy when they had the chance to meet the cast after the show. Ballet Philippines’ Peter Pan runs from December 4-13, 2015 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo of the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista
“Ballet Philippines is now on it’s sixth restaging of Peter Pan; beginning in 1983, through 2015. Every time Peter soars at the CCP Main Theater, he transports us to whimsical wafts of Tinkerbell dust to Neverland where time is never planned. There we become young, pure and carefree again. We don’t grow up, we grow down the very core of our being by thinking lovely thoughts. His spirit is contagious. We keep going back to the state of unconditional joy.”—Edna Vida Froilan
Indians & the Lost Boys- costumes by National Artist for Theater Salvador Bernal; Ballet Philippines’ Peter Pan runs from December 4-13, 2015 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo of the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista
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from right: Rhea Bautista (Mother Darling) & Mario Esperanza (Father Darling). Ballet Philippines’ Peter Pan runs from December 4-13, 2015 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo of the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista
Mermaids frolic in lagoon- costumes & set by National Artist for Theater Salvador Bernal; Ballet Philippines’ Peter Pan runs from December 4-13, 2015 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo of the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista
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Garry Corpuz (Captain Hook) & Ian Nick Tiba (Smee); Ballet Philippines’ Peter Pan runs from December 4-13, 2015 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo of the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista
Rita Angela Winder (Wendy); Ballet Philippines’ Peter Pan runs from December 4-13, 2015 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo of the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista
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from left: Victor Maguad (John) & Daniel Andes (Michael); Ballet Philippines’ Peter Pan runs from December 4-13, 2015 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo of the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista
Jean Marc Cordero (Peter Pan) flies over audiences; Ballet Philippines’ Peter Pan runs from December 4-13, 2015 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo of the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista
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Rita Angela Winder (Wendy); Ballet Philippines’ Peter Pan runs from December 4-13, 2015 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo of the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista
from right: Anjo Sartorio (hound), Rhea Bautista (Mother Darling) & Mario Esperanza (Father Darling). Ballet Philippines’ Peter Pan runs from December 4-13, 2015 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo of the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista
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from left: Rita Angela Winder (Wendy) & Monica Amanda Gana (Mermaid). Ballet Philippines’ Peter Pan runs from December 4-13, 2015 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo of the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista
Garry Corpuz (Captain Hook) & The Pirates; Ballet Philippines’ Peter Pan runs from December 4-13, 2015 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo of the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista
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Indians & the Lost Boys- costumes by National Artist for Theater Salvador Bernal; Ballet Philippines’ Peter Pan runs from December 4-13, 2015 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo of the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista
Victor Maguad (John); Ballet Philippines’ Peter Pan runs from December 4-13, 2015 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo of the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista
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from left: Rita Angela Winder (Wendy) and Katrene San Miguel (Tiger Lily). Ballet Philippines’ Peter Pan runs from December 4-13, 2015 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo of the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista
Clockwise from top: Jean Marc Cordero (Peter Pan), Rita Angela Winder (Wendy), Daniel Andes (Michael) & Victor Maguad (John). Ballet Philippines’ Peter Pan runs from December 4-13, 2015 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo of the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista
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Kids went crazy when they had the chance to meet the cast after the show. Ballet Philippines’ Peter Pan runs from December 4-13, 2015 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo of the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista
left: Jean Marc Cordero (Peter Pan); Ballet Philippines’ Peter Pan runs from December 4-13, 2015 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo of the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista
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Jean Marc Coredero (Peter Pan) & Rita Angela Winder (Wendy); Ballet Philippines’ Peter Pan runs from December 4-13, 2015 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo of the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista
Pirate Ship- production design by National Artist for Theater Salvador Bernal. Ballet Philippines’ Peter Pan runs from December 4-13, 2015 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo of the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista
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Katrene San Miguel (Tiger Liliy) and Eugene Obille (Indian Chief); Ballet Philippines’ Peter Pan runs from December 4-13, 2015 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo of the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista
Garry Corpuz (Captain Hook) & Jean Marc Cordero (Peter Pan’s) Battle scene. Ballet Philippines’ Peter Pan runs from December 4-13, 2015 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo of the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista
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Kids went crazy when they had the chance to meet the cast after the show. Ballet Philippines’ Peter Pan runs from December 4-13, 2015 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo of the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista
Mermaids frolic in lagoon- costumes & set by National Artist for Theater Salvador Bernal; Ballet Philippines’ Peter Pan runs from December 4-13, 2015 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo of the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista
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Teepees in Neverland – production design by National Artist for Theater Salvador Bernal. Ballet Philippines’ Peter Pan runs from December 4-13, 2015 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo of the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista
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from left: Victor Maguad (Michael), Jean Marc Cordero (Peter) and Daniel Andes (John). Ballet Philippines’ Peter Pan runs from December 4-13, 2015 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo of the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista
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