Summary
Highlights
Before Western theater became the norm, Philippine theater encompassed many different forms. This video from TFM's Theater 101 series introduces seven types of theater in the Philippines, some of which viewers may have encountered in school.
The Sarsuela is a three-act melodrama using both spoken and sung words. Despite its Spanish origin, it became a tool to fight colonization, leading to the arrest of prominent playwrights and the shutdown of companies during the American occupation. It was even nominated as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage in 2011.
Epic poetry, dating back to the pre-colonial period, is considered the highest point of Filipino folk literature. These long narratives, often about romance and adventure, were performed for hours during festivals and gatherings. Biag ni Lam-ang, the national epic of the Ilocanos, is a notable example.
The Duplo is a poetic debate presented through song and dance, originating from indigenous courtship customs where poets used proverbs and riddles to woo women. This evolved into more formal debates on issues, eventually leading to the Balagtasan.
The Moro-Moro, or Moro-Christiano street drama, depicted conflicts between Moors and Christians, always with Christians as the victors. While a key part of art history, its negative portrayal of Muslims has led to the term 'moro-moro' being used unflatteringly. Today, it survives only in isolated towns.
The Cenaculo, or passion play, is a dramatization of the life and death of Jesus Christ, a fixture of Holy Week in the largely Catholic Philippines. It is often a community activity, performed through singing, recitation, street plays, or processions, and for many participants, it is an act of devotion.
Traditional folk dances like Pandanggo sa Ilaw, Singkil, and Banga are some of the oldest forms of theater in the Philippines. Each culture contributes to this collective art form, which is an important part of the country's heritage. The video encourages keeping these dances alive.
Bodabil, an American import from the pre-war era, became uniquely Filipino. It featured a variety of short acts including musical numbers, comedic skits, and song-and-dance performances. Famous Filipino artists like Dolphy got their start in Bodabil, and its legacy continues in modern television variety shows.