The mythical Filipino bird Adarna is brought to life once more, in Concert at the Park, this Sunday, September 18, 2011, with the stage production of the Gantimpala Theater Foundation of the most famous bird in the country titled, “Ibong Adarna”, under the direction of Roobak Valle. Ms. Minette Padilla hosts the show, which starts at 7:00 p.m.
Admission is free.
Concert at the Park is a regular weekly public service project of the Department of Tourism, under Sec. Ramon Jimenez, Jr., the National Parks Development Committee, under Executive Director Juliet H. Villegas, and the National Broadcasting Network, in partnership with Gantimpala Theater Foundation, under the artistic direction of Tony Espejo.
“Ibong Adarna” was originally billed as Corrido at Buhay na Pinagdaanan nang Tatlong Principeng Magcacapatid na Anac nang Haring Fernando at nang Reina Valeriana sa Cahariang Berbania. According to folklore, the Ibong Adarna has a very melodious voice, singing seven magical songs. After each song, the colors of the bird change into a more beautiful shade. The songs have the power to lull anyone to sleep and cure any type of afflictions while its droppings can turn anyone into stone. In the kingdom of Berbania, the king becomes ill. As foretold by a healer, the magical Ibong Adarna is the only one that can cure him. Thus, his three sons, Don Pedro, Don Diego and Don Juan, successively start on a quest to capture the bird to save their ailing king.
“Ibong Adarna” brings the rich, colorful pageantry of the Maranao culture as its enchanting setting, with glittering costumes, fabulous scenery, spirited performers and creative choreography. This also serves as a tribute to the late National Arts for Dance Ramon Obusan as the dances of the cultural communities of Mindanao, researched and propagated by Obusan, are used in the production to highlight the adventures and triumphs of the hero, Don Juan.
Members of the Gantimpala Theater Actors Company bring life to the colorful characters of “Ibong Adarna”, under the stage direction of Roobak Valle.
