Creative / Artistic Team

Speaker

John Batalla

Lighting Designer & Technical Director

Ballet Manila Inc.

John started his career over 30 years ago at Dulaang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas (DUP) as a student of Technical Theatre & Management. Under then artistic director Tony Mabesa, he slowly honed his craft under the guidance of many influential theatre practitioners and through a rigorous season of plays throughout the years developed a distinct style that his designs are known for. He also began working with many of the country’s top theatre and dance companies, which has further enriched his experience in lighting design.

Crossing over into the world of live events and television, John has been involved with many notable concerts, TV specials, and live corporate events, firmly cementing his ubiquitous presence in the industry.

John has bagged the Gawad Buháy for outstanding lighting design in a theatre production five times for various productions and theatre & dance companies. He is currently co-committee head for the lighting designers’ group for the Independent Production Workers Group of the Philippines.

Recent Theatrical Designs:

  • Dagitab Digital (CCP 2023)
  • Encantada (ARDP 2023)
  • Betrayal (Rep Phils. 2024)
  • Grace (Encore Theatre 2024)
  • Choosing (Fire & Ice 2024)

His last Ballet Manila production was back in January 2020 for Sleeping Beauty.