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| (Image Source: The Philippines Herald/Ballet Philippines) |
Ballet Philippines invites audiences to step into a world where imagination knows no limits as it presents a spectacular new production of Alice in Wonderland, part of the company’s acclaimed 56th Season. Choreographed by Artistic Director Mikhail Martynyuk, this completely original adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s beloved story blends breathtaking choreography with playful theatricality, reintroducing a timeless tale through the transformative language of dance.
In Martynyuk’s reimagining of the classic, audiences are swept into a dreamlike realm where logic bends and wonder takes center stage. The story follows Alice, a curious young girl who, upon chasing a mysterious White Rabbit, finds herself tumbling into the whimsical world of Wonderland. As she journeys deeper into this extraordinary place, she passes through magical doors, samples enchanted potions and cakes, and encounters gardens of talking flowers that challenge her wit and resolve. Each chapter of Alice’s adventure is brought vividly to life through Martynyuk’s inventive choreography and storytelling. A delightfully chaotic tea party hosted by the Mad Hatter, March Hare, and Dormouse is filled with riddles and whimsy, while the enigmatic Caterpillar helps Alice uncover the courage within her. But the stakes rise dramatically in the Queen of Hearts’ unpredictable court, where flamingos and hedgehogs become croquet mallets, tempers flare, and justice is anything but just. Accused alongside the Knave of Hearts, Alice ultimately defies the chaos, boldly crying “Stop!” — an act that breaks the dream’s spell and returns her to reality. What distinguishes this Alice in Wonderland is Martynyuk’s artistic vision which combines technically challenging choreography for the dancers with elements of plastic comedy pantomime to heighten the production’s theatrical energy. This innovative approach creates a ballet that is as visually captivating as it is emotionally engaging — an immersive, family-friendly experience designed to enchant audiences of all ages.
Ballet Philippines President Kathleen Liechtenstein shares, “As we continue to evolve Ballet Philippines’ artistic journey, Alice in Wonderland represents our ongoing mission to celebrate imagination, courage, and the joy of discovery. It also the global stage, showcasing how collaboration between world-class artists like Mikhail Martynyuk and our homegrown dancers creates a uniquely inspiring expression of creativity and excellence.” For Martynyuk, Alice in Wonderland is more than a reinterpretation of a classic — it is an exploration of the limitless creativity that defines ballet. He explains, “In Alice, I wanted to create a world where movement tells the story beyond words. Through choreography, mime, and expression, we invite audiences to feel the humor, absurdity, and heart that make Wonderland so unforgettable.” As the dream fades and Alice awakens beside her sister, she emerges forever changed by the journey — a reminder of the courage found in staying true to oneself and the limitless power of imagination.
Alice In Wonderland is one of the most anticipated productions of Ballet Philippines’ 56th Season, a year-long celebration of creativity, storytelling, and the enduring magic of dance. Follow the White Rabbit and step into a world where dreams dance, time twists, and imagination knows no bounds. Alice In Wonderland runs for only five performances at The Theatre At Solaire, kicking off with a Gala Performance on December 5, 2025 at 8:00 pm followed by 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm shows on December 6–7, 2025. Tickets are available at TicketWorld but the seats are limited so secure them now and be part of this unforgettable holiday journey through Wonderland.
