Category: History of Theatre Arts in The Philippines

Description: During Martial Law, new forms of communication were introduced. Theater, known to the public as performance of the elite, was introduced to the public and masses. By that, performances were taken out into the streets instead of stages, where more voices and protests can be heard. 

Read:

Kritika Kultura 14 (2010). Forum Kritika: Philippine Theater and Martial Law (Part 1). p. 097-102. Ateneo de Manila University <www.ateneo.edu/kritikakultura> Retrieved from: https://nanopdf.com/download/kritika-kultura-5aebfcf5942af_pdf

https://nanopdf.com/download/kritika-kultura-5aebfcf5942af_pdf

Description: During the Japanese occupation or Second World War in the Philippines, film production was at a standstill. Theatre genres such as comedia, zarzuela and bodabil became the form of entertainment. Bodabil became stage shows or variety shows that intended as a reflection of everyday life through an amusing and light-spirited lens. This was used to encourage the Filipinos who were downtrodden due to the effects of the war in their lives.

Read:

Filipinas Heritage Library | Bodabil. Rediscovering the medley: Bodabil, a jewel of the past – The LaSallian https://www.esquiremag.ph/long-reads/features/bodabil-history-esquire-philippines-a2812-20220719-lfrm

Description: During Spanish colonialization, theatre has a massive role in colonizing the Filipino to abandon beliefs and to follow and propagate the Catholicism. Prominent theatre forms in this era are Komedya, Zarzuela, Moro-moro and theatre plays that focuses on Catholic religion.

Read:

http://theaterfansmanila.com/watch-7-forms-of-philippine-theater-during-the-spanish-colonial-period/

https://tanghal-kultura.org/2020/07/18/a-simplified-history-of-traditional-theatres-in-the-philippines-part-1/

https://www.jstor.org/stable/42632553

Description: During Pre-colonial: at the time of pre-historic, in Philippine Theatre have these forms; indigenous rituals, verbal jousts, song and dance to show respect for their goddess. Prehistoric dramas have 3 elements: myth, mimesis, and spectacle. Mimetic performances often dramatize primitive rituals and epic poetry about deities and mythical legends. The spirit of the goddess would seemingly possess a Catalonian (priests) and Babaylan (priestess). At the time entering the state, this priest/priestess absorb the sacrificial offering, that could be in the form of pig, chicken, rice, wine, or nuts. 

Read:

https://www.elcomblus.com/brief-history-of-philippine-theater/

https://www.solaireresort.com/article/the-evolution-of-philippine-theatre