Did you know that Lola Basyang is male?
Lola Basyang was the pen name of writer Severino Reyes, the genius
behind the enchanting stories that has been adapted to books, comics,
television and films.
Here are other amazing Lola
Basyang facts:
The writer was 75 years old when he wrote the
first Lola Basyang story entitled
"Ang Plautin ni Periking", about a kindhearted boy with a
magical flute and flying carpet.
He was known as "Don Pinoy" but for his
magical tales he adopted the character of Lola Basyang, an old woman well-loved
by her grandchildren because she regaled them with magical stories about kings,
queens, dragons and other incredible creatures.
Lola Basyang's character was closely similar to
Mother Goose the imaginary author of fairy tales and nursery rhymes. The name
was inspired by a woman named Gervacia Guzman De Zamora who was known as
"Tandang Basyang".
The stories were published in a special section
in Liwayway the oldest
Tagalog magazine in the
country. The publication began in 1922 and included serialized novels, short
stories, poetry, comics, essays, news features, entertainment news and
articles, and many others.
Writer Severino Reyes is considered one of the giants of
Philippine Literature. Aside from Lola Basyang his most famous play was 'Walang
Sugat" a Tagalog zarzeula about the brave Katipuneros during the Spanish occupation.
“From
Page to Stage,” Ballet Manila’s (BM) 20th performance season begins on August 21 with Severino Reyes’ “Tatlong
Kuwento ni Lola Basyang,” three captivating dance productions of love, fantasy
and adventure.
Lola
Basyang was the pen name of Severino Reyes the former editor of the famous
Tagalog magazine Liwayway back in 1925. In between running the publication
he penned enchanting tales about magical kingdoms and strange creatures. The
stories were published in a section called "Kuwento ni Lola Basyang."
Reyes
wrote over 400 well-loved tales and generated a huge following among magazine
readers. Apart from the magical twists, the stories impart heart-tugging
lessons on good morals and values which appeal to both to children and
adults.Ballet Manila brings back the storybook magic of “Ang Prinsipe ng Mga
Ibon,” “Ang Kapatid ng Tatlong Marya” and "Ang Mahiwagang Biyulin” on its
20th performance season.
Choreographed
by Osias Barroso; set to the melodies of national artists for music as arranged
by Mon Faustino, “Ang Prinsipe ng Mga Ibon” is about a princess who falls madly
in love with a bird prince. Their love is put to a test when her furious father
expresses disapproval over their unusual relationship.
Ballet
Manila Chief Executive Officer and Artistic Director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde
choregraphed “Ang Kapatid ng Tatlong Marya”. Set to the music of Joey Ayala, it
tells the story a boy in search of his three sisters who were captured by a
beast, as a punishment for their father's greedy streak. The boy strives to
fulfill their father's dying wish by coming face to face with the monster that
took his sisters.
“Ang
Mahiwagang Biyulin.” was choreographed by the late Tony Fabella with music by
Ryan Cayabyab. The tale is about a poor worker who was given a violin when he
helped an old lady. The enchanting rhythm of the strings sends listeners in a
trance bringing about an unusual change in behavior.
"Lola
Basyang is part of the Filipino our culture and heritage," explains
artistic director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde. "We at Ballet Manila are honored
to do our share in preserving this wonderful gift, through dance and
music."
For
the choreography of “Ang Kapatid ng Tatlong Marya”, Lisa was immediately moved
by the children’s book published by Anvil Publishing, a re-telling of the
Severino Reyes story by Christine Bellen, with illustrations by Frances
Alcaraz. The music of Joey Ayala further immersed her creative mind allowing
her to recreate the story as a dance sequence.
“Joey
Ayala gave the music to me piecemeal. First was the Underwater section and
family section so I was able to do the sea creatures scene and 3 Marias
variations right away which were very classical in structure and choreography.
Pedro's, the main character’s solo, is by Gerardo Francisco as I preferred that
a man do the choreography for Pedro. And the entire Lion's section corps is
done by Ernest Mandap who was visiting from France at that time.”
Of
the three Lola Basyang stories that would be presented, Lisa singles out “Ang
Kapatid ng Tatlong Marya” as the most challenging in terms of production. “We
had to tell the story - and that meant many scene changes, costume changes and
a huge cast of characters. My ballet I think was the most expensive of the 3
ballets in that aspect. I think the most difficult part was when we had to do
the three kingdoms as each kingdom was so different in treatment plus dealing
with a huge cast of children, students, scholars and professional dancers.”
She
enjoyed creating the family scene, describing it as the most “classical” of all
sections. “ I had fun doing the solo variations of the three Marias and the
family dance. I love the snake and tree scene because it is so unexpected and
dramatic. I also like it when the live animals are pushed onstage, again
because it gives an unusual touch to the ballet,” she shared.
Tatlong
Kuwento ni Lola Basyang promises to be the perfect weekend treat for the whole
family. “The kids will like the snake scene and all the live animals on stage.
I
also tried to be as "storyteller" as possible - I wanted the scenes
and story to be briskly told. Pacing is key. The trilogy is a good experience
that needs to be shared by the whole family.” she said.
“Severino
Reyes’ ‘Tatlong Kuwento ni Lola Basyang’” goes onstage at Aliw Theater
on August 21, 22, 28, and 29, at 8:00 p.m., and on August 23 & 30 at 3:00 p.m.
The
show is co-presented by Manila Broadcasting Company, Anvil Publishing, Aliw
Theater and Star City. Other sponsors are ACS Manufacturing, First United
Travel, Papa John’s Pizza, Manang’s Chicken, Empire Salon, Slimmer’s World,
Island Rose, and whatshappening.com.ph.
Tickets
are available at Ticketworld outlets, www.ticketworld.com.ph, or call 891 9999
and the Ballet Manila marketing hotline at 552 7502.
Acknowledgement
Teresa Defensor, Ballet Manila
