Massive Fire Damages Aliw Theater, the Home of Ballet Manila
Updated as of 1:10 P.M., October 4, 2019
In the quiet hours past midnight on Tuesday, October 1, a fire that began in Star City razed through areas of the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex, including the Aliw Theater which served as the home of Ballet Manila’s performances.
Katherine Barkman, a guest principal dancer for Ballet Manila, expressed her sadness through an Instagram post. “My heart breaks for my @balletmanila family. After a fire last night damaged the beautiful theatre I called home for many years... I am shocked and devastated. There were many lessons I learned while dancing with Ballet Manila — I think the most valuable one was the unspoken and unbroken hope that wove itself through each member of the company,” the caption read.
According to a report by CNN Philippines, initial investigations show that the fire began in a prizes and toys stockroom in Star City. Investigations also point to arson and electrical trouble as possible causes of the fire. Several indoor rides within the park were damaged. The park’s management also announced with deepest regret that Star City will be closed during the Christmas season.
Aliw Theater is the flagship entertainment venue of the Star Parks Corporation, the company that owns the amusement park, Star City. The theater was designed by businessman Fred J. Elizalde in honor of his wife, the internationally acclaimed ballerina Lisa Macuja-Elizalde.
The theater’s seating area spans 2,150 square meters which can accommodate 2,358 people. It’s also home to the largest orchestra pit in the country. The Aliw Theater has hosted numerous performances throughout the years, and has been the main venue of Ballet Manila’s performances.
The ballet company’s 24th performance season was to be held at the theater. Upcoming performances that are part of the roster include Giselle (October 19-20), Lisa Macuja Elizalde's Sleeping Beauty (December 7-8), and Carmina Burana & La Traviata (A Double Bill) (February 29-Mar 1, 2020).
Lisa Macuja-Elizalde posted a statement on Facebook last October 2:
"Thank you for all your wishes and prayers during this time. We are all still in shock. The most important part is that NO ONE WAS HURT. The fire happened at night when the park and theaters were empty. We will rise - like a phoenix - and rebuild. In the meantime please stay tuned to Ballet Manila’s official pages and website for all other updates."
On her birthday, October 3, she posted a photo of the devastating incident, seen below. "19 years ago, Fred gave me an 850 seater theater named Star in the middle of his amusement park named Star City. Two birthdays later he gave me Aliw Theater. This time the arena like theater could sit 2,500! Yesterday, we lost almost everything in a devastating fire that ate up Star Theater, Star City, MBC building and parts of Aliw Theater," the caption read.
Ballet Manila released an official statement yesterday as well regarding this season's lineup of shows. The announcement was posted on Macuja-Elizalde's Instagram account.
Performances of Giselle, slated for October 19-20, will now take place on October 17. Tickets purchased for the original show dates will be honored. More tickets can also be purchased for those who would still like to watch the performance. The show will take place in the CCP Main Theater.
"More information will be made available regarding how to purchase for the October 17 performance within the next two (2) days," the announcement read. "A battle cry of our CEO and Artistic Director is 'Let's Dance'; That we will despite the attendant circumstances. See you at the ballet!"
View this post on Instagram@balletmanila GISELLE is happening on Oct. 17 at 8pm in the CCP Main Theater!
