Before the show begins, the lights dim. In the front row, a child leans forward—wide-eyed, silent, fully present. For many in the crowd, this won’t just be a night out. Instead, it will be their first time seeing a live ballet, their first time hearing a full orchestra, their first taste of theater magic.
This August, three of the country’s top cultural institutions—Ballet Philippines (BP), Repertory Philippines (REP), and the Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO)—are coming together for a rare and meaningful collaboration. Together, they present a twin-bill performance of Peter and the Wolf and Little Red Riding Hood.
Clearly, this isn’t just about performance. It’s also about opening doors—for children, for communities, and for the future of Filipino arts.
Two Tales, One Transformative Experience
From August 1 to 3, 2025, Ballet Philippines’ Peter and the Wolf takes center stage at The Theatre at Solaire. Even better, it’s paired with a playful reimagining of Little Red Riding Hood. As a result, audiences will enjoy a full sensory experience—filled with music, movement, and meaning.
In Peter and the Wolf, Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev assigns each character a different instrument. For instance, the flute becomes the bird, the oboe waddles like the duck, and the horns growl as the wolf. Naturally, it’s a powerful way to teach children how music can tell a story.
Afterward, the performance transitions into a fresh ballet take on Little Red Riding Hood. This version blends graceful choreography with music by Camille Saint-Saëns and Edvard Grieg. Here, kindness, courage, and imagination take center stage.
“We want young audiences to not just watch—but feel the story,” says MSO Executive Director Jeffrey Solares. “Music, theater, and dance together create something unforgettable.”
A Show With a Bigger Purpose
Importantly, this production is more than just a show. Through a bold outreach initiative, families from underserved barangays will receive free seats to experience the performance. In fact, for many children, this will be their first time inside a formal theater.
In a joint statement, REP President Mindy Perez-Rubio, BP President Kathleen Liechtenstein, and MSO’s Jeffrey Solares share their vision:
“This initiative is about more than performance—it’s about access, education, and inspiring the next generation. We want to spark a lifelong love for the arts.”
In the same way, those who purchase premiere seats do more than enjoy the show. They help fund these moments of access. They give another child a chance to dream—and to belong.
Why First Encounters Matter
At first glance, ballet, theater, and symphony might seem like luxuries. However, for a child, they can be life-changing.
“Early exposure to the arts expands empathy, creativity, and focus,” says educator Ana Santelices. “It’s not about turning them into performers. It’s about shaping how they see the world.”
For this reason, Ballet Philippines’ Peter and the Wolf becomes more than a performance. It becomes an invitation. It says: You belong here, too.
Help a Child Take Their Seat
So, what can you do? Support this collaboration. Sponsor a block of seats for your school or community. Or simply buy a ticket and know that your purchase helps another family see the show—maybe for the very first time.
Because sometimes, all it takes is one night at the theater to change a life.
Peter and the Wolf
The Theatre at Solaire
Tickets: Available via TicketWorld, the Solaire Box Office, or through REP
Booking Hotlines: 0966-905-4013 / 0966-269-1854
Email: promotions@repphil.org | sales@repphil.org
