Representative Theatrical Forms

Philippine Theatre

Comes in a variety of forms, and

these include religious and non-
religious acts of production,
usually shown or performed
during festivals.
 SHADOW PUPPETRY
• Sometimes, details of the puppets
are made by including colored
translucent papers like cellophane,
and can create various effects
depending on the sourc of light and
the kind of movement the puppets
make.
 SHADOW PUPPETRY
• It is used a carton and a stick and
positioned at the back of a large,
white cloth; using a candle to
illuminate the back of the puppets
to create the shadows.
 SHADOW PUPPETRY
• Is considered as an ancient art
form of storytelling and
entertainment.
 DRAMA
• That is performed through dance
movements, frequently with dialogue
or sometimes, even singing, dance.
• Required body movement as an
expressive public performances.
 DRAMA
• Through the main focus of the dance drama
would be the movements and gestures of the
actors, creating the right setup, props and
costumes go a long the way.
• Costumes and setting play a big role in
creating the right “feel or ambiance” to deliver
the message of the story of the dance drama.
 Comedia or Moro-Moro
• Earliest known of organised theater
created by Spanish priests.
• It is usually performed during festivals or
fiesta, and are performed in villages
throughout the Philippines.
• All are full of romance, melodrama and
the highlight, which is the battle between
Christians and Muslims
 Comedia or Moro-Moro
• Included in their costumes and props are
the shield, swords of the armed soldiers.
• Christians and Muslim nobles are dressed
in loud colored costumes are often seen
marching up and down the stage, striking
pompous and arrogant stylized and
exaggerated poses.
 Sarswela or Zarzuela
• Is a play with a song and dances usually
written in prose, depicting the peculiarity
of romantic love idealized Filipino
character that are often accompanied by
topics of contemporary social, political,
economical or cultural issues for
relevance and added interest.
 Sarswela or Zarzuela
• Are usually nationalistic in theme and
plot and are showcased by actors and
actresses wearing traditional costumes,
our Filipinos, Barong Tagalogs and other
local wear.
 Sarswela or Zarzuela
• Delivered with some songs and dance,
the acts would see like any other musical.
• Projected by the actors’ characters in
costumes, and traditional Filipino
inspired props.
• Some of these props are made out of
materials made from local resources such
as capiz and rattan.
 Senakulo
• During the season Lent, one of the mot famous
events that is shown is the theater play of
Senakulo.
• Usually depicting stories and events from the
Old and New Testaments related to the life,
suffering and death of Jesus Christ.
• It takes at least eight days to be performed,
from Palm Sunday of Easter Sunday, in
different places: on the streets, on the stage, in
a chapel or church.
 Senakulo
• Locals act as soldiers, with painted masks
and armors, and act out scenes even
outdoors.
• Making the costumes and props takes a
lot of thought and effort, to be able to
represent the characters well and that also
includes creating the stage, and
backdrops to use for which scenario.