SH1903

The Filipino Drama Christians and Muslims through the forbidden love between the
prince and the princess. The comedy is resolved with the non-
I. Articles about Filipino Drama in the 21st Century Christian being converted to Christianity, or through his or her
death, immediately followed by his or her resurrection.
Evolution of Philippine Theater Comedias were normally performed in the pueblos or village
by Solaire Resort centers to attract more people to the foundation of its regime.
The comedia can last anywhere from 3 to 15 hours through a
Pre-colonial Time series of performances. The first Filipino comedia was
During the pre-historic times, theater in the Philippines was in performed in Latin and Spanish by Fr. Vicente Puche in Cebu in
the form of indigenous rituals, verbal jousts or games, or songs 1598.
and dances to praise gods. According to early chronicles, pre- On the other hand, a zarzuela is a form of musical theater that
historic dramas consisted of three elements – myth, mimesis, combines spoken word and song that celebrates various Catholic
and spectacle. liturgical feasts. Jugar Con Fuego by Francisco Asenjo Barbieri
These mimetic performances mostly dramatized primitive was the first zarzuela introduced in the country in late 1878 or
rituals and epic poetry about deities and mythical legends, where early 1879.
the spirit of the deities would seemingly possess a catalonan By August 17, 1893, Teatro Zorilla, the home of zarzuela, was
(priest) or babaylan (priestess). inaugurated.
During this entranced state, the priest or priestess would Throughout the 333 years of the Spanish regime, the Philippines
consume the sacrificial offering, which could be in the form of was widely influenced by their culture, tradition, and religion.
a pig, chicken, rice, wine, or nuts. Today, zarzuelas and comedias are still being performed, albeit
"…seemed to shoot flames from her eyes; her hair stood on end, with other cultural influences and contemporary touches.
a fearful sight to those beholding, and she uttered words of
arrogance and superiority." – Juan de Plasencia, 1590 American Colonization
When American colonial rule was established, the United States
Spanish Regime introduced the American way of life through education, media,
When the Spaniards reached our shores, they used dramas such and language. Their influence on Philippine theatre is most
as zarzuelas as a pedagogical tool to influence the pagan tribes apparent through the bodabil (vaudeville) and the plays and
and teach them about Christianity and religion. dramas staged or translated into English.
Another important form of theater popularized during the In 1898, the first bodabil was produced by the Manila Dramatic
Spanish colonization is the comedia, also known as moro-moro, Guild for the sole purpose of entertaining American soldiers and
linambay, or arakyo. It’s a play in verse that portrays the lives, other Americans residing in Manila. It was also the first
loves, and wars of moors and Christians. theatrical performance since the revolution.
Moro-Moro is a secular comedy that dramatizes the war between The bodabil is not a straight-up play. The theatrical performance

04 Handout 2 *Property of STI

 student.feedback@sti.edu Page 1 of 11
 SH1903

is, in fact, a mix of songs, dances, comedy skits, and even Theatre was largely performed in English during the time, as it
magical performances. Local audiences bought-in and became a large part of classroom education. Meanwhile,
productions soon found themselves becoming entertainment zarzuelas such as “Ang Kiri,” “Dalagang Bukid,” and “Paglipis
spectacles that can be transported from one town to the next. Not ng Dilim” became well-known beyond their regions.
long after, the bodabil was interjected into comedias and By the 1950s, theatre had moved out of classrooms and the
zarzuelas, as intermission numbers known as jamborees. concept of paying for a ticket to see a theatrical performance
In the 1930s, the country was introduced to Broadway theatre or emerged. This “legitimate” theatre was held in closed theaters –
stage plays through the westernized education that was provided these became events in themselves, not just mere parts of a
in most private schools for privileged children. Shakespearean celebration or religious ritual.
tragedies and comedies, as well as western classics, were During this time, playwrights such as Severino Montano,
performed in the original English or English adaptation. Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero, and Alberto S. Florentino honed their
crafts and contributed to the development of performing arts in
The Japanese Occupation the Philippines.
By the 1940s, when the Japanese took over the Philippines from Through the years, Philippine theatre groups have staged
the Americans, movie actors and actresses could no longer numerous plays in both English and Filipino, be it written by a
appear in films, as the Japanese confiscated all film equipment. Western or local playwright. Spanish culture and traditions
However, the comedia, zarzuela, and bodabil remained in the largely influence performing arts in the Philippines, but the
country as forms of entertainment and expression. contemporary style is borrowed from the Americans.
Eventually, the bodabil evolved to become stage shows or
variety shows with a short melodrama at the end to Reflection: A Look Back at Philippine Theater in 2015
accommodate the actors and actresses who moved their craft to By Jared Echevarria
bodabil and theatre. Venues such as the Manila Grand Opera
House and the Savoy Theatre became homes of bodabil. Manila, Philippines--In a time when the Philippines is proving
After the war, movies returned to popularity, and the bodabil era its economic and cultural prowess on the global stage, theater
slowly lost its luster. Stage shows became small, cheap seems to be a good medium to mirror not only the varied tastes
performances held in open-air stages in the provinces. Sadly, the of its society but also to develop the level of maturity of art
bodabil deteriorated decades later to become burlesque and strip appreciation among its people.
shows held in cheap theatres around American military bases. Theater is not a new thing in the Philippines; in fact, it has been
part of its great "cultural menu" that nourished the nation and
Philippine Theatre as We Know It Today carved her becoming. It is, therefore, a part of every Filipino's
After the Japanese occupation, the Philippine theatre has life every once in a while.
evolved to become an amalgamation of the various influences With the growing awareness of theater in the country, brought
such that of the zarzuela, comedia, bodabil, and western classics. about by the successes of Filipino thespians here and abroad, the

04 Handout 2 *Property of STI

 student.feedback@sti.edu Page 2 of 11
 SH1903

nation is clamoring for more and more productions, where The Necessary Theater by Actor's Actors Inc.'s "The Normal
theater companies exhibit their homegrown talents and creative Heart," directed by Bart Guingona, tackled a sensitive topic with
minds. When it comes to producing theater, Filipinos do not the guidance of a great and pulsating script, which literally
favor quantity over quality; that's why some shows only play for informed the audiences of an ongoing war against HIV and
a week or a weekend. AIDS epidemic.
The Philippines, especially Manila, is not considered Asia's Red Turnip Theater's small but sleek production of "This is Our
theater capital yet, but we can easily say that we're gearing Youth," directed by Topper Fabregas, was a fitting tribute to a
towards that global recognition. 2015 was a great year because decade of social uneasiness and confusion. The lines in the play
theatrical productions were brought closer to a lot more people- were all powerful but not vulgar.
-the antithesis that theater only caters to a niche audience. The The international touring production of "Singin' in The Rain,"
productions in the past year reached varied audiences with inspired by the 1952 movie that starred Gene Kelly, was a hit
themes that touched various sensitive topics and controversies; not only among older audiences but also the millennials. The
these productions proved to be not only a form of entertainment production brought back the most unforgettable songs from the
but also a receptacle of personal reflections for some audiences movie, which were likewise nostalgic and praiseworthy.
saw things in a way that the others did not. Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group's (ATEG) "The
"Abundance" best describes the theater scene in 2015, in which Bridges of Madison County," directed by Bobby Garcia, was the
varied selections of productions have been presented and even first international production of the Tony Award-winning
restaged because of popular demand. Below are a just a handful musical. Though not considered a classic yet, the songs and its
of previous productions that proved the point that theater in the immortal story cemented rave reviews for the production. The
Philippines now caters to all generations, varied sectors of the direction and stage design were subtle, yet effective.
society and interests. Triumphant People's Evangelistic Society's (Trumpets) "A
Third Person Collective's "Peratedes," a stage adaption of Horse and His Boy," a stage adaptation of the well-loved C.S.
Federico Lorca's "La Casa de Bernarda Alba," directed by Harry Lewis classic, brought back the audiences to the world of Narnia
David, was a reflection of a Filipino family with all its secrets, with all its mysteries and splendors. The children in the audience
sensitivities, and sacrednesses. This production did not come surely loved the show; the adults in the audience, on the other
short and even went further in exposing the good and the bad in hand, appreciated every single line in its script and its hauntingly
a Filipino household. In fact, it didn't end there: it provided a beautiful musical score.
solution that was left for the audiences to fathom. The international touring production of "Cookin' Nanta," a
Egg Theater Company's "Maniacal," a stage adaptation of Korean non-verbal musical, was a treat to the audiences. The
Moliere's "Les Femmes Savantes," directed by George de Jesus, upbeat and funny antics of the actors onstage drummed up their
was a satire of the theater industry in Manila. It was a fascinating way through as one of the most entertaining productions in 2015.
material that explored the industry through relatable references Repertory Philippines' "The Secret Garden" brought to life a
and powerful dialogues. classic story of friendship and family, which taught invaluable

04 Handout 2 *Property of STI

 student.feedback@sti.edu Page 3 of 11
 SH1903

life lessons still applicable in the present day. #9 Self-Expression

The international touring production of "La Soiree," a cabaret- Theatre teaches us how to express ourselves more effectively. It
variety show, also had its share of amusing the audiences and develops our ability to communicate our thoughts and feelings
making others burst into laughter. It was a show that ensured that to others, improving our relationships and improving the world
no one in the theatre would be left unsatisfied. around us.
2015 was a kind year to everyone involved in the Philippine
theater scene--both its practitioners and the audiences. It was a #8 Self-Knowledge
year full of entertainment that made theatergoers realize that this Theatre teaches us about ourselves. It helps us understand how
industry has no signs of slowing down in the years to come. our minds and the minds of others work. It helps us to see how
the environments in which we live affect who we are and who
Theatre in the 21st century we will become.
By The Freeman
#7 History
CEBU, Philippines — Once, in a keynote speech addressed to Theatre is a great way to lean about history. Rather than learning
the Association of Theatre in Higher Education, in 1992, history from reading it in a dusty textbook, theatre makes history
performance studies scholar Richard Schechner (in)famously come alive right before our eyes. Theatre makes learning about
declared: “Theatre as we have known and practiced it – the history fun.
staging of written dramas – will be the string quartet of the 21st
century.” #6 The Human Body
We are now almost three decades removed from this Theatre reminds us that, even in this ever-changing digital age,
provocation. What, if anything, has changed about the state of there is a human body at the center of every digital transaction.
theatre in the 21st century? Is theatre dead, as Schechner Accounting for the body in the design of the future will help us
predicted, or is it still very much alive and breathing? In the make technology that works for us rather than us working for
spirit of retired “Late Show” host David Letterman’s famous technology.
“Top Ten” lists, here 10 reasons why theatre is still important
today: #5 Globalization
Theatre helps us understand people from cultures other than our
#10 Human Beings own. We can learn a lot about people from cultures all around
The performance of theatre is a universal cultural phenomenon the world by studying their performance traditions. In doing so,
that exists in every society around the world. Human beings are we can learn to be less ethnocentric, and more accepting of
the only animal species that creates theatre. Understanding others.
theatre helps us understand what it means to be human.

04 Handout 2 *Property of STI

 student.feedback@sti.edu Page 4 of 11
 SH1903

#4 Self-Empowerment audience.
Performance permeates every aspect of our everyday lives.
Power relationships are constructed through performances. The literary forum “Ang Teatro sa Pilipinas sa Bagong
Understanding how performances unfold around us can help us Milenyo,” organized by the University of Santo Tomas Center
to recognize and take control of the power dynamics that affect for Creative Writing and Literary Studies, recently featured
us. theater artists Rody Vera, Nicolas B. Pichay, Liza Magtoto and
Sir Anril Tiatco discussing the poor state of Philippine theater.
#3 Social Change
Theatre is a cultural space where society examines itself in a “There is a financial catastrophe that we feel in theater because
mirror. Theatre has long been looked at as a laboratory in which we don’t have any funding, we don’t have support from the
we can study the problems that confront society, and attempt to Government unless we apply for a grant,” said Magtoto, whose
solve those problems. recent works included the hit musical “Rak of Aegis.” She said
professior theater was in its death throes (“naghihikahos”).

#2 Education She noted that many companies were having a hard time inviting
Theatre is a great way to learn. Going to the theatre teaches us audience to watch their shows because of the high ticket prices.
about people, places, and ideas to which we would not otherwise “Audience building is really difficult,” she said. “The good thing
be exposed. Learning in a theatrical setting makes learning fun. about this, however, is that many theater companies were
conceived. But many theater companies are having a problem
#1 Creativity with marketing. Unless it was free of charge, it was difficult to
Theatre helps us to develop our creativity. As our education bring in audience.”
system increasingly puts an emphasis on science, technology,
engineering, and math, we cannot forget the importance of art. ‘Urgency’
Theater puts the “STE(A)M” back in “STEM!” Tiatco, who teaches at the Department of Speech
(www.tcgcircle.org) - Kevin Brown Communication and Theater Arts in University of the
Philippines Diliman, said that contemporary theater in the
Lack of financing, audience hounds Philippine theater Philippines, or at least in Manila, is rooted in social criticism.
By Brylle B. Tabora Citing critic Doreen G. Fernandez, he noted that with thematic
concerns of the Filipino playwrights, directors and actors, “the
Modern theater has come a long way in the Philippines since it vitality of theater is in its urgency.”
made its arrival during the American Occupation. But
challenges remain, especially the lack of financial wherewithal “[Filipino playwrights] do not need to hear the strengths in
and support from the state. Then there’s the seeming paucity in writing techniques in order to want to write a play in like

04 Handout 2 *Property of STI

 student.feedback@sti.edu Page 5 of 11
 SH1903

manner; instead, their themes invade their craft and they reach
for techniques,” he said. “By urgency, Fernandez said theater in Meanwhile, Magtoto, who wrote the musical “Care Divas,”
the Philippines used to represent social concerns of the time and noted the rise of theater-goers in the country because of musical
therefore provide a commentary on the state of things at that productions, but she said that the theater did not always have to
time.” show musicals.

Tiatco stressed that contemporary artists behind the staging of Gay Sensibility
current productions “worked on the same tradition of social The gay sensibility in musicals has long been a heated discussion
activism which might be viewed as a call for resisting certain in queer theories.
social and cultural threats while the real are imagined.”
But what is gay sensibility?
In the same vein, Vera noted the tradition of well-known
Filipino playwrights such as Reuel Aguila, Rene Villanueva, Al According to Pichay, it is the way in which the world is viewed
Santos, Malou Jacob who wrote because of the “urgency of the through the eyes of a gay person. However, he said that this was
time”. hard to signify because one cannot actually define this.

“It was important for them to say what they wanted to say more Pichay was referring to an article written by Anthony
than how they could say it,” said Vera, who was inducted this Tommasini for the New York Times in which the latter argued
year in the Palanca Awards Hall of Fame. “It was clear to them that the notion of “gay sensibility” associated to musicals came
what they wanted to send across their audience.” from the fact that the earlier productions were written mostly be
gay people.
Musicals
Writer-lawyer Pichay, who wrote “Maxie The Musicale,” noted “Would it help to think that that musicals have actuality that is
the rise of musical theater. mostly associated with the gay culture?” asked Pichay. “Masaya
lang talaga ang kumanta and sumayaw, but it doesn’t necessarily
“We have a musical culture,” Pichay said. “We are a karaoke mean that the person who is enjoying a musical is gay.”
nation. We have a theatrical tradition with moro-moro, zarzuela Performance and Literature
and vaudeville.” Vera, who was one of the co-founders of the 10-year-running
Virgin Labfest, said that the festival sought to reconcile drama
Pichay noted that the Filipino people’s penchant for musicals and literature, performativity and literary quality.
came around in the 1980s when the whole world began to notice
then 17-year-old Lea Salonga, who played Kim in the musical In the ’90s, playwright Rene Villanueva set up the group called
“Miss Saigon.” Telon where Pichay, Elmer Gatchalian, Jun Lana, Tim Dacanay,

04 Handout 2 *Property of STI

 student.feedback@sti.edu Page 6 of 11
 SH1903

Luna Sicat-Cleto were members. The group was largely built in centuries-old Filipino culture and history while being
because of their belief that “the true test of a play was to be in responsive to evolving contemporary society.
production.”
Tanghalang Pilipino maintains the highest standards in
Then, the late Charley de la Paz founded the Playwrights’ artistic discipline, technical skill, and professional
Development Program of the Philippine Educational Theater conduct. With the goal of offering diverse content to
Association (Peta), which was later joined with Telon to form cater to a broad spectrum of theater-goers, they balance
what would be called the Writers’ Bloc, which Vera now heads. their programming of the season to include Filipino
Vera said that it was important for them that the drama they write works (both classic and contemporary), translations and
would be eventually translated on stage. adaptations of theater materials from Asia and other parts
of the globe, as well as children's theater.
“In film writing, the work must be set to production before we
could say that this was what had become of it. Sometimes what They also conduct Kamalayang Pilipino Workshop in
the actors say help to contribute in enriching the material. Not the Arts (KAPWA), a theater workshop framework that
only the light and ‘literariness’ of the words, but also its focuses on identifying the roots of a community and
stageability. This is the vision of Virgin Labfest.” using theater as a tool for self-discovery and
empowerment.
Meanwhile, Pichay said that the theater offered more
engagement than did TV shows or films. He stressed that in the Tanghalang Pilipino is unique among other theater
age of social media, TV had created a big divide among the groups in the country because they maintain a core of
people because it did not build a community, only consumerism. actors whose full-time training in acting is subsidized by
“In the Greek times, the theater really was a community,” he the company. Known as the Tanghalang Pilipino Actors
said. “When you build a community, you build a theater. The Company, these actors are tapped for the company's
theater should entertain and educate. It should address a season repertoire and special performances. The actors
particular audience and make people introspective and let them who have graduated from the Actors Company now
know their place in society. That is what we want the theater to compromise the most sought-after stable of talents in
be.” television, cinema, and commercial advertising.
In addition to honing skills for on-stage performance,
II. Notable Theater Groups in the Philippines they also commit to the development of an active
A. Tanghalang Pilipino audience for Filipino theater through using the native
Founded in 1987 as the resident theater company of the language as their primary medium for their productions
Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), Tanghalang and by bringing their performances to venues outside
Pilipino aims to promote Philippine theater that is rooted CCP- to various parts of the country and overseas,

04 Handout 2 *Property of STI

 student.feedback@sti.edu Page 7 of 11
 SH1903

especially locations with large Filipino communities. PETA began by asserting the then radical view of
creating and performing plays in Filipino. Most of
Notable productions of the company are Prinsipe Munti, PETA’s plays were staged at the historic Dulaang Rajah
an adaptation of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's Le Petit Sulayman, an open-air theater designed by National
Prince, Sandosenang Sapatos, Melanie, Ang Paguusig Artist Leandro V. Locsin. By the 90’s, it boasted of a
(The Crucible) by Arthur Miller's, Nang Dalawin ng solid record of some 300 plays written, translated,
Pag-ibig si Juan Tamad, and Walang Aray - a adapted, published and performed, which shaped the
contemporized comic version of Severino Reyes' company’s theater history, enriching it through theater
Walang Sugat. forms and techniques that expressed local, national and
universal themes. Among PETA’s earlier plays have
B. Philippine Educational Theater Association been: Bayaning Huwad, Larawan, May-i, May-i,
Cecile Guidote-Alvarez founded the Philippine Hanggang Dito na Lamang at Maraming Salamat, Juan
Educational Theater Association (PETA) on April 7, Tamban, Pilipinas Circa 1907, Ang Buhay ni Galileo,
1967, with the vision of a Philippine Theater engaged in Macbeth, Canuplin, Macliing, Minsa’y Isang Gamu-
the development of people and society. Gamo, Ang Paglalakbay ni Radya Mangandiri, 1896.

In 1971, PETA became the UNESCO-ITI (International In 2005 PETA fulfilled one of long-term goals when it
Theater Institute) Center in the Philippines, and in the moved to a permanent home, The PETA Theater Center.
same year it organized the first Third World Theater A landmark in Philippine Arts and Culture, the center in
Festival, held in the 400th year of the foundation of the itself is a testament to the creativity, ingenuity, resilience
City of Manila. of PETA. The center now serves as a physical base for
the entire gamut of PETA undertakings, from
When its founder was forced to go on political exile professional theater repertory performances, year-round
because of Martial Law in 1972, PETA’s new breed of workshops and its community and outreach programs.
artist-teacher-leaders continued to steer the company
towards a People’s Theater committed to social change. Settled in its new home, PETA continued to mount out-
The social conditions and political climate during the of-the-box, cutting-edge productions that mainstreamed
Martial Law sharpened the people-based theater relevant issues that engaged its urban audiences. PETA’s
aesthetics of PETA. It inspired the company to use the modern repertoire ranged from fresh adaptations of
power of theater as a means of producing plays for world classics like Haring Lear, Arbol de Fuego (Anton
empowerment and development, especially of the most Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard), to staging iconic
disadvantaged sectors of society/those in the margins. children’s theater productions like Mga Kuwento ni Lola
Basyang, and Batang Rizal. Most recently, the company

04 Handout 2 *Property of STI

 student.feedback@sti.edu Page 8 of 11
 SH1903

has also explored the use of modern pop music to plays – both modern and the classics – non-stop
maintain the connection with its evolving audience. Its throughout the year except for the summer months when
contemporary musicals include Skin Deep, William, attention turns to Performing Arts workshops and their
Care Divas, and its phenomenal musical hit Rak of corresponding showcase productions. To this date, it has
Aegis. staged 450 productions – each running from 12 to 60
performances. The roster of its productions include such
Relentless in seeking out new audiences, it vigorously titles as Les Miserables, The King and I, Passion, Evita,
partnered with schools, parishes and communities all Annie, My Fair Lady, La Cage Aux Folles, Ain’t
over the country to ensure that it is able to share its rich Misbehavin, Kiss of the Spider Woman, South Pacific,
educational performances to as many Filipinos as Jesus Christ Superstar, Joseph and the Amazing
possible. The company embarked on many exhilarating Tecnicolor Dreamcoat, Carousel, Pirates of Penzance A
tours. Its mobile plays included Tumawag kay Libby Christmas Carol, A Little Night Music, Oliver, The
Manaoag, Si Juan Tamad and Diyablo at ang Limang Secret Garden and a host of others. One of its recent
Milyong Boto, Hans Christian Andersen Must Be a musical productions, Les Miserables, was called the best
Filipino, Noli at Fili Dekada dos Mil, Rated:PG, musical and perhaps the best musical ever in this
ASL...Please! and Padayon. country.

Through its inspired leadership and the contribution of At present REP has one regular season of three plays.
its dedicated members and staff, PETA mastered its Classics, comedies, dramas and sometimes a smallscale
triple bottom lines of artistic excellence, relevance and musical are a regular part of each season. The rest of the
viability while remaining true to its vision of using year is taken up by a musical for young audiences, and
theater as a tool for education, social change and time permitting, a big Broadway musical production.
development. Recently REP has taken to adapting at least one play and
putting it in a Philippine setting although all the plays are
C. Repertory Philippines Foundation, Inc. performed in English. Some of the famous western plays
Founded in 1967 by a group of actors on the initiative of that REP has done include Amadeus, Les Liasons
the late Zeneida A. Amador who was its President and Dangereuses, The Mousetrap, Agnes of God, M.
Artistic Director until her death in 2005, Repertory Butterfly, Woman in Black, Our Town, The Importance
Philippines Foundation, Inc., also known as “REP”, has of Being Earnest, Run For Your Wife, Two and Two
often been called “the most professional English- Make Sex, The Lion in Winter, Arsenic and Old Lace,
speaking theater company in the country”. Cactus Flower and many, many others.

It is the only theater company that produces western The children are not forgotten. The Rep Theater for

04 Handout 2 *Property of STI

 student.feedback@sti.edu Page 9 of 11
 SH1903

Young Audiences, now on its 25th year, stages Shangri-la Plaza Mall which it named the William J.
professional productions of classic children’s musicals Shaw Theater, and then, when that theater was
on weekends and during the week for schools. Ms. Joy demolished, moved to the Carlos P. Romulo 400-seat
Virata is its Founder and Artistic Director. theater in the RCBC Plaza. At present it rents the
Onstage Theater in Greenbelt I in the Ayala Center.
REP also opens summer Performing Arts workshops
attended by more than 200 children and adults each REP is now led by Mindy Barredo Perez-Rubio.
summer.
Ms. Zeneida Amador, in an article she wrote profiling
But Repertory Philippines is not just a production outfit. her company said: “Because REP is a non-stock, not-for
It has also been the best-known training ground for profit foundation, it has never stinted in giving each
actors having produced the likes of Lea Salonga who production the best it has been able to. The money it
first appeared with REP when she was six years old and makes from box-office sales and sponsorship grants have
then played the lead in Annie when she was eight. She been ploughed back to production budgets to give each
went on to play the lead in Cameron Mackintosh’s Miss presentation the taste, the look and the sophistication that
Saigon, winning awards in both London and New York cosmopolites have become used to. Its sense of pride
for her performance and since then has been an about one of the country’s products renders it at all times
international performer. Monique Wilson, another “Rep unable to settle for mediocrity and to daily reach for
tot”, also starred in the same production and is at present excellence.”
based in Manila and travels the world over where she
continues to pursue her career. The late Junix Inocian, Further, by the regularity of its productions, REP is
Jonjon Briones, Red Concepcion, Cocoy Laurel, Maya continuing its furtherance of the aims of art. That is to
Barredo, and Gia Macuja are just a few of others make people more sensitive, more aware, more ethical in
numbering about 40 who have appeared and are still their dealing with others, more compassionate and more
appearing in international productions. REP continues to just.
be the source of acting talent both in the Philippines and
abroad. D. Gantimpala Theater Foundation
Gantimpala Theater's history began at the Cultural
To carry out its vision, REP maintains a full-time support Center of the Philippines (CCP) in 1978. Founding
staff of 10. Its present address is at Ecoville Executive President and Artistic Director, Tony S. Espejo
Townhomes in Makati City. It began using a 200-seat introduced the concept of Black Box Theater in the
theater on the 12th floor of the Insular Life Building on country be establishing Bulwagang Gantimpala - a bold
Ayala Avenue, moved to a 500-seat theater at the move that paved the way for the Filipino literary writers'

04 Handout 2 *Property of STI

 student.feedback@sti.edu Page 10 of 11
 SH1903

foray into the theater scene. Gantimpala Theater gave the people as it goes to nearby provinces and far-flung
young the opportunity to exercise their artistry in the localities with touring plays. It informs, entertains, and
different fields of theater discipline. It gave life to the educates more than half-a-million people annually.
winning plays of the prestigious Palanca Literary Indeed, Gantimpala Theater is The Pioneer in
Contest and the defunct CCP Gantimpala Playwriting Edutainment.
Contest.

Performances were held at the quaint, informal, wooden- References:

benched and balconied theater venue that could seat an Echevarria, J. (2016, January 5). Reflection: A look back at
audience of 300 (now known as CCP's Tanghalang Philippine theater in 2015.
Huseng Batute) delighted the public, were the talk of the https://www.broadwayworld.com/philippines/article/Re
town, earned considerably at the box-office, received flection-A-Look-Back-at-Philippine-Theater-in-2015-
critical acclaim, and became the benchmark of world- 20160105.
class Filipino theater. Gantimpala Theater. (n.d.).
https://www.facebook.com/gantimpala/.
In 1986, Gantimpala Theater became an independent PETA Theater. (n.d.). https://petatheater.com/about.
theater company, made into a foundation and shifted its Repertory Philippines. (n.d.).
artistic gears by giving life to plays based on the https://repertoryphilippines.ph/about-the-company/.
Philippines' Cultural and Literary Heritage. Its inception Tabora, B. (2014, December 15). Lack of financing, audience
of study aides by staging the korido of Ibong Adarna, the hounds Philippine theater.
beauty of spoken Tagalog poetry in Florante at Laura, https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/180056/lack-of-financing-
Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, novels of audience-hounds-philippine-theater/#ixzz5zfPkJnMC.
National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal became a major Tanghalang Pilipino. (n.d.). https://tanghalangpilipino.com.
contribution of Gantimpala Theater in the learning and The evolution of Philippine theatre. (n.d.).
teaching process for students and teachers alike. Other https://www.solaireresort.com/article/the-evolution-of-
contemporary works of National Artists for Literature, as philippine-theatre.
well as adaptations of children's classic stories into The Freeman. (2018, August 30). Theatre in the 21st century.
entertaining musical plays were staged to the delight of In Philstar.com. https://www.philstar.com/the-
thousands of audience every season. freeman/cebu-lifestyle/2018/08/30/1847075/theatre-
21st-century#YDfXsiVZsrbCODTH.99
Gantimpala Theater is a self-sustaining, independent
theater company, with an all year-round season. It
promotes goodwill and brings theater arts closer to the

04 Handout 2 *Property of STI

 student.feedback@sti.edu Page 11 of 11