How can the study of musical theater benefit your life?
The Philippines has theatrical forms influenced by foreign invaders (Spaniards, Japanese, Americans)
These theatrical forms are executed through singing, dancing, and acting
Sarswela
A traditional theater form with songs and dances performed by actors and actresses in theaters and town plazas during fiestas or Holy Week
The sarswela was introduced to the Philippines by the Spaniards
Use of music in sarswela
To accompany the whole play presentation, performers sing their lines in accordance to the mood of the story, groups of musicians also accompany them
Types of sarswela
Walang Sugat - a play with song and dance in three acts, about two young lovers affected by their love for each other, written and directed by Severino Reyes, music composed by Fulgencio Tolentino, first premiered in 1902
Severino Reyes
Known as the "Father of Tagalog Sarswela", organized a company called Gran Compania de Zarzuela Tagala (Great Company of Tagalog Zarzuela)
Atang de la Rama
Known as the "Philippine Sarswela Star/Nightingale of the Sarswela"
