POWER and passion make weekend nights sizzle at Star City as Ballet Manila stages one of its most popular ballets, "Carmen," every Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at the Star Theater throughout the summer months of March, April and May. Top billed by no less than BM principal ballerina Lisa Macuja-Elizalde in the title role.

Choreographed by the late Eric V. Cruz, former BM artistic director and himself a premier danseur noble of leading Philippine ballet companies during his prime, "Carmen" is ballet’s version of a spicy telenovela as it combines the elements of drama, romance, obsession and betrayal that the Filipino audience love. The mysterious Carmen lures the once upright military officer Don Jose into a life of abandon of perdition, only to leave him for the dashing toreador, Escamillo. Broken and desperate, Don Jose attempts to save his love, only to lose his sanity in the painful process.

Aside from the gripping story, impressive sets and world-class dancing, "Carmen" is truly a treat for the Filipino family as the one-act ballet in five scenes will be presented free to the public as part of Ballet Manila’s advocacy of bringing classical ballet to the people. Free performances previously held at Star City included "Munting Anghel," "Belen," "Princess of the Moon," and "Sayaw Pinoy.

"It is our commitment to bring ballet to the park goers and we try our best to maintain the high standards of our shows," says Macuja-Elizalde, who likewise recently launched her radio talk show "Art 2 Art" over dzRH, airing every Sunday at 3 p.m. "All these efforts are part of our campaign for audience development because that’s what every artist needs – an audience. Hopefully, by bringing art and culture closer to the people, classical arts will eventually enjoy the kind of support and patronage given to our counterparts in pop entertainment."