A Tribute to the Arts: Sabel

                      

Joni Galeste as Sabel 

Sabel is a musical theater production meant to pay tribute to 50 years of Ben Cab genius. Sabel is Ben Cab's signature mark, a constant in all collections. This iconic character has through the years been a point of interest of many.Many have been inspired to create even more art. Taking in the visual aesthetics of Ben Cab, stories, dances, songs have been artfully made. Who can forget Agnes Locsins suite of wonderful dancing a while back? It is not surprising that as he celebrates his golden anniversary that it is she who is  again pushed into the spotlight. After all, she is Ben Cab. But, this production does more than just feature Sabel and Ben Cab on center stage. It takes things a step further. 

Sabel, Love and Passion is a collaboration of sorts. Supported by Ben Cab art enthusiasts and Ben Cab himself, a group of artists were given the artistic liberty to create  a production  that will immortalize Ben Cab's journey with Sabel.  A blend of beautiful minds, resulted to a production well worth the wait (about 10 years  or so :) )  

The libretto and lyrics of this musical was done by  Director Freddie Santos. When I first heard of this musical, I immediately thought of the references and connotations that come with the name. Think Noli Me Tangere. Think Crispin and Basilio. I was a bit apprehensive that the musical might be a history lesson . I had no doubts about the level of taste of this director but I did for a moment question the theme of what would be a representation of a maestro's lifetime of work. Thank God, it was not what I expected. I was able to catch  a few of their rehearsals  in   Meralco. Even then, devoid of any set or any glamorous costumes, I was already drawn to the story of a woman who experienced it all.  Yes it will take you through time but more than that it will humanize Sabel in ways that will move you

Sabel takes you to a journey of a little girl who was separated by war from her father. She fights for herself using dance as her saving grace. She falls in love,gets her heart broken. She finds her self, loses herself in a circular battle of pain and survival.  Sounds like a familiar story doesn't it? It sounds  like a teleserye. But how it was written sets it apart. Words were  powerful.  The dialogue so eloquently delivered by storyteller Iza Calzado was potent. At one point, I tried to close my eyes and listened to her voice intently. I was  listening to poetry.  In that one act play, there must be at least twenty  quotable quotes to remember. "Dancing made her remember, all she needed to do was to dance". Words that will stay with you, lingering till you find an  even deeper meaning to it. 

The music that accompanied the liquid words were equally beautiful. A match made in heaven indeed.  Freddie Santos and composer Louie Ocampo  must be kindred spirits who lovingly created moving harmonies together.

Aicelle Santos, Timmy Pavino Bo Cerrudo and Audie Gemora were the voices behind the characters. They were a beautiful match to Philippine Ballet Theatre's stars. Not only were they pitch perfect, they all displayed the same energy and emotion that the dancers gave. 

Yza Calzado performed seamlessly as she delivered  her lines dripping with emotion. She commanded the stage both physically and emotionally. Her eyes darted through the audience speaking to them as if it was a private conversation. Most importantly she spoke with clarity.For her first try, she was impeccable. 

                                 

                           

I don't usually  review Philippine Ballet Theatre because my views might be tainted with love for the dancers. This time however, I know I'm unbiased when I say Joni Galeste as Sabel was at her absolute best. During rehearsals I felt her struggle  through pacing  the emotions to ensure every moment was understood perfectly. She took everyone by surprise by making every second count. Taking photos of her  was a breeze. She was completely committed to Sabel.  Every photo painted a story. She patiently, ever so delicately unraveled her emotions with every scene. She could have easily done a bad caricature of a loony but she chose the path less traveled. She chose to find Sabel in her. She exhibited maturity  both in technique and in artistry. High fives are in order.  The ensemble did  a good job as well contributing passionate renditions while they jump from one genre to another. It is characteristic of Philippine Ballet Theatre to deliver  rich acting when it is required. That they did  as they performed at par with expectations. 

At the end of this musical everyone was on their feet crying. I couldn't anymore determine whether I was crying because the story's pivotal twist was wonderful, or because Yza Calzado's breathy and tearful closing was moving, or because everything was framed beautifully with Ben Cab's masterpieces. There are so many things to love about this musical. But on top of the my list is the fact that the collaboration worked. It is easy to understand that Ben Cab was enough to nurture and inspire others to create. However, it is always a challenge   to marry egos, ideas and  perspectives  of artists. Honestly, I hate collaborations where the dancers look like they are on ASAP or SHOWTIME. I  really appreciated that each art form was glorified in this musical. Only a proficient and well respected director can  command a league of independents to go to a coveted destination. Not only will I  remember the visual treat of Ben Cab's paintings gracefully reflected on the set, I will also remember the music, the dancing, the words. This show was more than a tribute to Ben Cab. It was a tribute to Filipino Art. Bravo. 

                                     

 

     A moment that looks just like a Bencab painting