On the 30 th anniversary of the EDSA Revolution, Ballet Manila celebrates the spirit of People Power with the world premiere of Rebel – a full-length ballet by British choreographer Martin Lawrance. Although based on Spartacus, Rebel derives characters and situations from the historic Philippine event. In this series, the dancers taking on the lead roles share their thoughts on the characters they are playing, what they have learned about the People Power Revolution and what they hope to convey to the audience in Rebel.
Where were you in February 1986 when the EDSA Revolution unfolded?
Katherine Barkman (KB): I wasn’t born yet. My mom was still in high school!
Dawna Reign Mangahas (DRM): I wasn’t born yet.
What did you know of the revolution and of Corazon Aquino when you were growing up?
KB: I had not heard of the People Power Revolution prior to coming to the Philippines. I knew of Imelda Marcos because of her shoes. I think having a ballet about it should be very interesting. It has so many layers to it.
For me, the interesting thing about Cory is her transformation. She was a housewife. She took care of her family. She let her husband go deal with all the politics while she stayed at home. But inside of her was something bigger, something that grew once her husband Ninoy was killed – and she stepped up. She became not only a leader but the face of a peaceful rebellion.
DRM: All I know is that we, Filipinos, were able to remove Marcos from power with Cory’s help. At EDSA, the people blocked the tanks and the soldiers. The people came together. And because of that, the Philippines achieved freedom. Cory was a strong woman who became the voice, the leader of the masses.
How do you feel about portraying a character who is so loved, and so venerated in this country?
DRM: I feel like I will have a hard time to portray her because her character is so different from my character. It’s really not my personality. And I know I would choose to hide. I would be scared. I would be afraid. So I think when it’s time for me to dance, I will just have to leave Dawna behind somewhere to become her.
How are you approaching your role? What are you infusing into your character?
KB: As a foreigner, I have the research that I’ve done because I feel the great responsibility of portraying such an incredible woman. I want the audience to see her transformation – how heartbroken she is when her husband leaves to fight for the people, when he decides to give his life – how devastating that is. But also the strength that she carried behind her. She was strong enough to support him. She was also strong enough to continue his work. I want that to be visible on stage.
Corazon Aquino photograph sourced from The Official Gazette of the Presidential Communications Group.