9 Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
Regional Office III

Learning Activity Sheets

ARTS
Quarter 4 – Week 1-3
Western Classical Plays/Opera

ARTS
9

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 Theater arts of the western countries were produced and performed, in
different periods that have a great influence from the Ancient Greek and
Roman theater art. It also has a unique style in visual elements, stage design,
props, costumes, etc. which, are recognized through its visual presentation.
The influence of the Western Classical plays/ opera, on Filipino theatrical
forms, will also be discussed in this learning activity sheet.
At the end of this Learning Activity Sheet, you are expected to:
• identifies selected theatrical forms from different art periods. A9EL-IVa-1
• research on the history of the theatrical forms and their evolution. A9EL-IVb-2
• identifies the elements and principles of arts as manifested in Western Classical plays
and opera. A9EL-IVc-3
• defines what makes selected western classical plays and operas unique through
visual representation. A9PL-IVc-1
• designs the visual elements and components of the selected Western classical
theater play and opera through costumes, props, etc. A9PR-IVd-1
• analyzes the uniqueness of each group’s performance of its selected Western
classical theater play and opera. A9PR-IVh-2
• shows the influences of the selected Western Classical play or opera on
Philippine theatrical performance in terms of form and content of story. A9PR-
IVh-6

Directions: Write N on the line if the following statement/artist/artwork is in

NEOCLASSICISM and R if it’s in ROMANTICISSM. (Write your answer on a
separate sheet of pad paper).

1. The artists during this period looked to Roman styles during the time of
Alexander the Great for inspiration as well as to mimic their style.
2. Classical Block Style is a building that features a rectangular or square plan,
with a flat roof and an exterior rich in classical detail.
3. Gothic Revival is an architectural movement that began in the late 1740’s in
England.
4. Bertel Thorvaldsen is the first internationally acclaimed Danish artist.
5. Antoine-Louis Barye is the most famous animal sculptor of all time.
6. The sculpture during this period can be divided into works that concern about
the human world and those concern the natural world.
7. Palais Garnier (Paris Opera House)
8. St. Patrick’s Cathedral
9. Library of Saint-Genevieve
10. Theseus Slaying the Minotaur
11. Society is more important than the individual.
12. Nature is defined as natural environment (Mountains, rivers, etc.)
13. Artists embraced the ideals of order and moderation.
14. In this period, painting gives more emphasis in emotions.
15. Lion of Lucerne was created during this period.

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Directions: Locate and encircle the word related to Western Classical plays and opera
inside the box. The word may be arranged horizontally, vertically and diagonally/
inverted. Match and write the word found to the questions given below. (Write your
answer on a separate sheet of pad paper).

1. This word means “place of seeing”?

2. This theater was commonly performed in markets, public places, and festivals.
3. This period marked by the use of technology in their broadways and commercial
plays.
4. The audience is only on three sides of the stage.
5. The first spotlight used in U.S during the Neoclassical period.
6. The story is about a naïve soldier (Don Jose) who is attracted by the charm of a
gypsy dancer.
7. He wrote Florante at Laura.
8. Known as the Father of Tagalog Zarzuela.
9. His been involved as an Actor/ Director in over 120 productions.
10. He was the first to develop theater design as a profession.

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 III. WHAT’S NEW

Theater means "place of seeing." In theater play the shape of the

stage is important because it helps the audience to stimulate their
emotions. 3 Types of theater stage:
ARENA: Earliest type of theater, the audience surrounds all sides of the
stage.
THRUST: The audience in only in three sides of the stage.
PROSCENIUM: The audience is only on one side.

GREEK THEATER (700 B.C.E-410 C.E)

It started at about 70 B.C., honoring their many gods with festivals. The
theater were large, open air structures constructed on a slope of a hill. It is
consisted to 3 main elements: The Orchestra, a large circular/rectangular at the
center part of the theater where all acts took place. The Theatron, it is known
as the viewing place. Skene, the stage in the theater. Last is the Parados or the
side entrance. (check the link for the image
https://www.j2e.com/missmcwhirter/Greek+Theatre/)

ROMAN THEATER
The Ancient Theatre of Rome began in the 3rd century BC. Roman
Chariots – usual themes for Roman theater plays. The Triumvir Pompey
was one of the first permanent (non-wooden) theater in Rome.
( check the link for the image
https://www.artpal.com/buy/drawings/buildings-architecture/world-

MEDIEVAL THEATER (500 C.E-1400)

Theater events were not allowed all over Europe during the medieval
period. The theater performed in markets, public areas, and festivals. Two
major kinds of stages in the medieval theatre: Fixed and Moveable.
(Check the link for the image
https://theatricaleffectsandstaging.wordpress.com/medieval-theatre-staging/
& https://theatricaleffectsandstaging.wordpress.com/medieval-theatre-
staging/)

RENAISSANCE THEATER (1400-1600)

One of the most prominent supporters of this theater was Queen
Elizabeth I. The players that performed on the Elizabeth stage were called “
professionals”. The theatre buildings were round, square, or octagonal, with
thatched roofs covering the structure surrounding an open courtyard.
( check the link for the image https://www.slideserve.com/lamis/globe-
theatre)

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 BAROQUE THEATER (1600-1750)
The Baroque theatre is distinguished using technology in modern
Broadway or commercial productions. They use machines for special effects and
the scene can easily change with the use of ropes and pulley. This technology
affects the content of the performances during the period.

NEOCLASSICAL THEATER (1800-1900)

In Neoclassical period, the theater was characterized by its
grandiosity. The costumes and scenery were highly detailed. Two types of
plays were officially developed during this time - tragedy and comedy. They
never mix these two together. This restriction led to the use of the happy
and sad masks that symbolize theatrical arts. (check the link for the image
http://www.saint-petersburg.com/buildings/alexandrinsky-theatre/)

ROMANTIC THEATER (1800-2000)

Melodrama and operas were the most popular theater styles during
the Romantic period. Melodrama originated from the French word
"melodrame" derived from Greek melos, meaning "music," and
French drame derived from Greek dran to "perform."

LIGHTING DESIGN
The play's lighting design is just as critical as
the stage settings, as it creates an overall
mood and needs to be almost flawless.

Did you know that the First

“spotlight” was used in the
U.S during the
NEOCLASSICAL PERIOD
and was called the
“Limelight”.

COSTUME DESIGN
The costumes worn by the actors help to convey certain
time periods and historical context that allows the
audience to understand the scene easily and to identify the
main characters of the play/opera.

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 IV. ASSESSMENT

Directions: Choose the letter of the correct answer. Write your answer before thenumber.
(Write your answer on a separate sheet of pad paper).

1. Melodrama and operas were the most popular theater styles during this
period.
A. Roman theater C. Romantic theater
B. Baroque theater D. Neoclassical theater
2. This kind of theater performed in markets, public areas, and festivals.
A. Medieval theater C. Romantic theater
B. Baroque theater D. Greek theater
3. This theater began in the 3rd century BC.
A. Roman theater C. Greek theater
B. Neoclassical theater D. Neoclassical theater
4. One of his greatest work was Romeo and Juliet.
A. Sophocles C. Livius Andronicus
B. William Shakespeare D. Euripides
5. It means "place of seeing".
A. Stage C. Skene
B. Parodos D. Theater
6. It is distinguished by the use of technology in modern Broadway or
commercial productions.
A. Roman theater C. Baroque theater
B. Greek theater D. Neoclassical theater
7. Two types of plays were officially developed during this time - tragedy and
comedy.
A. Medieval theater C. Romantic theater
B. Neoclassical theater D. Greek theater
8. It is the usual themes for Roman theater plays.
A. Comedy play C. Melodrama
B. Religious play D. Chariots and Gladiator
9. They never mix these two together during Neoclassical theater.
A. Tragedy & Drama C. Comedy & Tragedy
B. Romance & Drama D. Drama & Comedy
10. The first spotlight was called
A. Lighting C. Light stage
B. Limelight D. Lighter

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I. WHAT’S IN?
ACTIVITY: NAME THAT PICTURE
Directions: Choose the name of each stage design inside the box. Write the answer
on the space provided. (Write your answer on a separate sheet of pad paper).

II. WHAT’S NEW?

Now let us recognize the famous Filipino

playwrights and how the western classical
plays/opera influence their works when it
comes to the forms and content of the story.

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 Kamusta, I am FRANCISCO BALAGTAS Y DE LA
CRUZ also known as Francisco Baltazar. “Florante at
Laura” is one of my best-known work. I learned how to
write poetry from Jose de la Cruz also known as
Huseng Sisiw.

If you want to see my work “Florante at Laura” just

check the link
https://lintel.typepad.com/plentyofnothing/2018/10/flor
ante-at-laura-comic.html

Mabuhay, I am SEVERINO R. REYES also known

as the Father of Tagalog Zarzuela. I was one of the
giants of Tagalog Literature.
In 1923, I co-founded the Liwaywa, it is a Tagalog
literary that published a series of fairy tales titled “Mga
kwento ni lola Basyang”.

“WALANG SUGAT” is one of my masterpieces,

thestory is about the cruel fate love of Tenyong and
Julia mixed with humor and song. Tenyong was forced
to join the Katipunan meanwhile Julia’s mother
pressures her into marrying Miguel.

I am Dr. RICARDO G. ABAD; I am an

actor/director in over 120 productions. I also directed
and acted for professional companies like Teatro
Pilipino and Tanghalang Pilipino of the CCP as well as
the Metropolitan Theater.

Many of my theater works were based on the classics

of western drama. But I added a Filipino and Asian taste
of emotions in my works.
I won the Aliw Award for Best Director in a non-
musical production in 2008 for my work the “The Death of
Memory”. And another award in 2013 for my landmark
“Sintang Dalisay” and my third award in 2016 for a
production of Rolando Tinio’s “It’s April, What Are We
Doing Here”.

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 I am SALVADOR F. BERNAL; I am the father of
theater design in the Philippines. I was the first to develop
theater design as a profession. I design more than 250
productions in ballet, theater, and film.
I also received the highest award given in the country,
the National Artist award for theater design.

You can check my work at

https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/228798/badong-
exhibit-showcases-salvador-bernals-well-
designed.

III. WHAT’S MORE?

Activity: Q & A
Directions: Answer the given question by the host. Use a separate paper for this
activity.
QUESTION: If you will become a famous playwright in the Philippines, what current issue in our country
would you like to write and why?

IV. ASSESSMENT
ACTIVITY: Search More
Directions: List down at least three famous plays and opera in the Philippines thatyou think
has Western theater art influence and answer the guide question on the next column. Use a
separate paper for this activity. (Write your answer on a separate sheet of pad paper).

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ANSWER KEY

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