
Ballet Manila’s ‘Alice in Wonderland.’
Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland has become a cornerstone of imaginative storytelling in arts and culture. Its themes of fantasy, transformation, and absurdity resonate widely, making it a popular source for artistic reinterpretation.
The story’s surreal and dreamlike qualities have inspired artists across disciplines — from painting and illustration to theater, film, music, and dance — allowing for continual reinvention and relevance. So it is no surprise that Ballet Philippines will stage a new full-length production of Alice in Wonderland as part of its 56th Season.
The production is choreographed by artistic director Mikhail Martynyuk, an award-winning dancer and choreographer, and former principal dancer with The Kremlin Ballet Theatre and the Russian Ballet Theatre. He also holds the title of Honored Artist of the Russian Federation.
Ballet Philippines’ Alice in Wonderland will blend classical ballet with comedic pantomime and is designed for audiences of all ages. Martynyuk will use the music of Claude Debussy to shape the choreography, with each scene representing a distinct episode focused on the characters’ emotions rather than a straightforward retelling of the story. The ballet will also highlight Alice’s journey from innocence to self-awareness, with transformations shown as emotional and symbolic moments.
“In Alice, I wanted to create a world where movement tells the story beyond words,” Martynyuk explains. “Through choreography, mime, and expression, we invite audiences to feel the humor, absurdity, and heart that make Wonderland so unforgettable.”
The role of Alice will be shared by Jemima Reyes-Ocampo, Danielle Kleiner, Nicole Barroso, and Ma. Regina Magbitang.
“As we continue to evolve Ballet Philippines’ artistic journey, Alice in Wonderland represents our ongoing mission to celebrate imagination, courage, and the joy of discovery,” shares Kathleen Liechtenstein, President of Ballet Philippines. “It also reflects our deeper purpose — to bring Filipino talent and artistry to the forefront of the global stage, showcasing how collaboration between world-class artists like Mikhail Martynyuk and our homegrown dancers creates a uniquely inspiring expression of creativity and excellence.”
The show will run for five performances from 5 to 7 December 2025, at the Theatre at Solaire. Tickets are now on sale.