Lease Event

The musical was produced through the collaboration of Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Chun Un Temple in Cebu, Philippines and the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Cebu Chapter in 2007. Depicting the life of Siddhartha Gautama, the Indian prince who became the Buddha, the musical incorporated songs from the “Sounds of the Human World” written by Venerable Master Hsing Yun. It has also embraced elements from the Filipino and Indian cultures, music, and arts. Another distinctive fact is that almost all of the performers are Catholics, and the play is directed and choreographed entirely by Filipino artists.

The Marat Daukayev Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker features dancers whose artistry and poise belie their young ages. This full-length ballet complete with battling mice and soldiers, an enchanting snowy forest, and Tchaikovsky’s beloved score is an audience favorite.

With more than 150 dancers and 500 costumes, acclaimed former Kirov ballet star Marat Daukayev dances the role of Drosselmeyer alongside his amazingly accomplished students in this iconic and magically festive holiday classic.

Marat Daukayev received his professional training at the Vaganova and Perm Ballet Schools. During his 20 year career, he danced the leading male roles in the complete repertoire of classical ballets with numerous international ballet companies. He has also performed in both film and television. St. Petersburg audiences loved him for the brilliant technique and exceptional dramatic ability that he brought to his roles. Daukayev founded his ballet academy in 2001.

This premiere of “Romeo and Juliet”, seeks, through dynamic choreography, high fashion costumes, vanguard sets and creative lighting, to breathe freshness into a time honored story, rendering its universal theme relative and relatable to today’s social and political scene while reaching out to a diversity of ages and backgrounds.