Ballet Philippines once again presents the story of
Apolinario Mabini in dance form in “La Revolucion Filipina” on July 25 and 26
at the CCP. For those of you who missed
it during the 90s, now is your chance.
And because the narration will mostly be danced,
you have to understand the symbolisms presented through the eyes of re-knowned Filipina choreographer Agnes
Locsin. Below is the synopsis of the
performance (Libretto by Dennis Marasigan) so you can follow the story as you
experience the mood and visual treat of dance.
June
1898. Apolinario Mabini, the “sublime paralytic” of the Philippine Revolution
is resting on his hammock by a roadside en route to Kawit, Cavite where Emilio
Aguinaldo is set to proclaim the independence from Spain of the whole Philippine
archipelago. Mabini believes that declaration to be premature. Aguinaldo
disagrees.
ACT
I
Sometime
in the 16th century. A tribe of lowland dwellers go on their daily lives, their
bodies seeming to be influences of foreign cultures as they take on new manners
and new clothes. Finally, the shadow of Spanish subjugation covers them all.
Amidst all this, the figures of Apolinario Mabini, Emilio Aguinaldo, and Andres
Bonifacio stand out.
1890’s.
Bonifacio, Mabini, and Aguinaldo become witness to cruelties inflicted on their
fellowmen by the Spaniards and by other “indios” of their time. With the
inspiration of the muses of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity, Bonifacio forms
a secret society called the Kagalang-galangan, Kataas-taasang Katipunan ng mga
Anak ng Bayan, or Katipunan. Aguinaldo later joins the secret society. Mabini
chooses to side with the reformists.
With
the discovery of the Katipunan, the Revolution begins. The schism among
Filipino heightens. Aguinaldo is elected President of the nascent Filipino
nation. Bonifacio is tried for treason and killed. Mabini blames Aguinaldo for
Bonifacio’s death. The citizens become confused.
ACT
II
The
United States of America is drawn into war with Spain. Mabini expresses caution
in dealing with the Americans.
Aguinaldo
in exile, instructs three women to sew a flag for the Filipino nation. Aided by
the Americans, he returns to declare Philippine Independence. Mabini is asked
to become Aguinaldo’s adviser. Mabini guides Aguinaldo in running the government
of the fledging nations.
In
Malolos, Aguinaldo convenes a Congress that ratifies the Declaration of
Independence. The Congress proceeds to form a new Constitution, much against
the wishes of Mabini. Aguinaldo is caught between his influential adviser and
ilustrado-dominated Congress.
Spain
cedes the Philippines to the United States of America. The Americans who
encouraged Aguinaldo show treachery and refuse to recognize the Revolutionary
Government. One by one, Aguinaldo allies desert him and join the Americans. The
Ilustrados blame the non-recognition of Philippine Independence on the delay in
the establishment of the Republic. Aguinaldo contemplates a peaceful settlement
with the Americans. Mabini resigns from the Cabinet.
Armed
hostilities between the Filipinos and Americans begin. Mabini witnesses the
treachery of his fellowmen and the cruelty they inflict on their fellow
Filipinos.
The
Americans close in on Aguinaldo as his aides are killed or desert him. In
Palanan, Aguinaldo wrongly trusted those whom he thought were dressed as
Filipinos to be faithful to the Filipino cause. Aguinaldo is captured and
forced to pledge allegiance to the American flag. Aguinaldo becomes witness to
the continuing division among Filipinos. He is unable to take any action,
paralyzed by his belief that no longer holds any lofty position. Mabini rises
from his chair and accuses the present of turning its back on its past. The
tribesman must shed his second skin to rediscover his own. Only then can people
see what truly makes a nation one.
For inquiries, visit www.ballet.ph, send an email to info@ballet.ph, or
call Ballet Philippines at 551-1003. For tickets and reservations, call the CCP Box Office
at 832-3704 or Ticketworld at 891-9999.
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to Ballet Philippines online through the following social media networks:
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