Spanish Colonial Tradition

• During the Spanish colonial period, Spaniards replaced indigenous arts with western forms, introducing religious and secular literature, theater arts, and dances.
• The introduction of western musical instruments and the proliferation of zarzuelas and operas were also significant aspects of the Spanish colonial tradition.
• Zarzuelas are a type of musical theater that originated in Spain, combining singing, acting, and often dancing to tell a story.
• Zarzuelas can range from comedic to serious and are often performed in Spanish-speaking countries.
• One well-known example of a zarzuela in the Philippines is “Walang Sugat” (No wound), composed by Fulgencio Tolentino with libretto by Severino Reyes.
• “Walang Sugat” is a zarzuela set during the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule.
• The story of “Walang Sugat” features two male siblings, one a revolutionary leader and the other a soldier loyal to the Spanish government, both in love with the same girl.