The Austronesian migration has long been a fascinating chapter of history. The story of the seafaring group is the subject of Ballet Philippines’ original production Paglalakbay: The Journey of the Sea People. Its world premiere gala takes place on April 10 and runs for four more performances from April 11 to 12 at the Theatre at Solaire. The new piece is choreographed by Ballet Philippines Artistic Director Mikhail Martynyuk, with a libretto by Sheree Chua.
The skeleton of the performance is the classical technique, but the central story of the Austronesian migration is formed into a unique choreography. “Batanes is wind, rocks, and ocean. As the scenery changes, the quality of movement changes as well. In Paglalakbay, choreographic language becomes the main narrator,” says Martynyuk. “A low center of gravity, steady in the wind; steps are wide and grounded, moving against resistance; the body tilts forward, always in dialogue with the elements; the hands are not decorative, but functional, like a sailor’s.”
The libretto by Chua draws from a personal history, giving the piece parallels to modern migration. “Migration is often framed as displacement, but my mother showed me that movement can also be expansion, a widening of self without losing origin,” says Chua. “In her life, I witnessed resilience, adaptability, and a deep, unshakeable sense of identity. Those same qualities underpin the Austronesian Migration story that informs this work. Through [my mother], I understood that heritage is not static — it breathes, shifts, evolves — yet remains anchored in something internal and enduring.”
The production design of Leeroy New comes from an expedition of meticulous research, making sure that the culture being portrayed reflects an understanding of the landscape, materials, and environmental forces that shape life in the northernmost islands of the Philippines.
New shares, “When I visited Batanes with my assistant designer, Arvie Santos, we experienced firsthand the primal energy of the terrain, we heard the language and stories from the locals, and this only further stressed our responsibility to approximate the best we could that experience for our audiences. To share a glimpse of what remains of our early architectures, lifestyles, and crafts.”
Paglalakbay comes from the experience of Ballet Philippines in their Ballet Brigade outreach program to Batanes. In May 2004, Ballet Brigade went to Batanes National Science High School to commune with over 200 locals — from community officials, revered elders, to students. The whole experience was a testament to how dance can bridge cultures, bring communities together, and provide momentum to both personal and collective journeys. And this was also the spark that inspired Chua’s libretto.
At a time when movement plays a crucial part in Philippine history, Paglalakbay tells a transformative tale that connects our epic past and the chaotic present.
Paglalakbay runs from April 10 to 12 at the Theatre at Solaire. Tickets are available via ticketworld.com.ph, ballet.ph, and the Solaire Box Office.
