Integrating culture, history, art, myth, legend, and dance with a clear and relevant message to take action on the global environmental crisis.
A contemporary adaptation by Architect Carlo Calma about Philippine gods and goddesses, Diyosa was a full-length ballet by Ballet Philippines (BP) focusing on the emerging message of preserving nature and taking care of the environment.
The Mastermind
Calma is considered one of the renowned Filipino visual artists and architects of today. From sculptures, objects, videos, and installations, he integrates a performative aspect into them, making his practice cut across other artistic disciplines.
He continually searches for the rich cultural identity of the Philippines, experimenting and creating provocative insights into both local and global climate issues.
DIYOSA
Set in the mythical world of Philippine gods and goddesses, Calma’s Diyosa was choreographed by Ballet Philippines’ Artistic Director Mikhail Martynyuk. In the adaptation, Philippine gods and goddesses were characterized by distinctive elements of local life—sunrise in the countryside, crowded alleys, the chorus of tricycles and jeepneys.
It started with Calma’s libretto in a dreamy, mythical setting that follows a journey towards humankind’s awakening and metamorphosis. The production integrated all forms of art–dance, art, design, architecture, digital projections, and fashion all in unison to create a message about climate change. Diyosa combined together the culture, history, legend, and humor of Filipinos.
It was literally the interpretation of deities from the ancient world. “The concept of gods and goddesses in this piece is very abstract. Our aim was to create a modern experience of the deities through a combination of classic, neo-classic, and modern dance styles,” says Martynyuk. He also shares, “It’s the perfect marriage of dance, music, storyboard, light projections, and art.”
The performance also highlights new and never-before-seen methods for bringing characters and storylines to life where gods and goddesses take on both the human and abstract form.
Diyosa sparked a new conversation on sustainability that endeavors to remain relevant throughout the ages.
The Partnership
Ballet Philippines and The Theatre at Solaire have announced their strong partnership for a new and exciting theater experience for the audience. The 1,740-seater grand auditorium with state-the-art Constellation Acoustic System, is designed to deliver only the finest audio experience one can get at a performance venue.
The first-time partnership was welcome news for audiences of Philippine performance arts. Calma’s Diyosa by Ballet Philippines is one of the most awaited in The Theatre’s power cast lineup and it kicked off the partnership between Ballet Philippines and Solaire.
Banner photo courtesy of Ballet Philippines.
