Theater Arts in

Visayas
Presented by: Group 2
Bea Nicolette M. Llevares Mariko Sapitula
Examples Lorry May Combong Grybel Mits Ganzon Values
Kenneth Joy Arenoa Fionna Maiomi Paunon
Julie Ann Padecio Jenelyn Zamora

Historical Armilyn Sino Jessica Canja

1 Famous
Backgroun Nemy Muyco Rhea Rodriguez Theater Art
d
Example #1
 Sugidanon

commonly found across various parts of the Visayan Region,

including provinces like Cebu, Bohol, Leyte and Samar. The
term "sugidanon" stems from the Visayan word "sugilanon,"
which means "to tell" or "to narrate." Therefore, Sugidanon
Theater is essentially a storytelling theater, where narratives
from Visayan folklore, mythology, history, and culture are
brought to life through performances.
Historical Background
 Sugidanon

 With roots deeply embedded in Visayan culture, Sugidanon Theater has been practiced for
generations, passed down orally from one generation to the next.

 Its origins can be traced back to ancient times when stories were told through songs, chants,
and performances.

 Over the years, Sugidanon Theater has evolved, influenced by various historical and cultural
factors, yet remaining a significant aspect of Visayan identity.
Values

 Sugidanon

Respect for Ancestral Wisdom. Through its narratives, Sugidanon

Theater pays homage to the wisdom, beliefs, and customs of the
ancestors, emphasizing the importance of respecting and learning from
the past.
Example #2
 Komedya

commonly performed in places like Iloilo, Capiz,

Antique, and Negros Occidental. Komedya Theater, also
known as "Comedia" or "Moros y Cristianos," is a
traditional Spanish-influenced theatrical form that has
been adapted and performed in various regions of the
Philippines.
Historical Background
 Komedya
 The Philippine komedya is a descendant of the comedia fathered by Spanish playwright Lope de Vega in the
sixteenth century.
 In the Philippines, the very first comedia, written by the Jesuit Vicente Puche in romance and Latin, was
presented by the students of the Jesuits in the cathedral of Cebu on the occasion of the visit of Bishop Pedro
de Agurto in 1598.
 In the seventeenth century, when Spain was trying to establish its foothold in the different islands, the comedia
de santo was used to Christianize the natives, as in the play Martirio de Santa Barbara, which was presented in
1609 by the Boholanos in their own language.
 From this time on, the komedya evolve for centuries and the rise of nationalism in the 1970s led to a new
appreciation of indigenous culture and the desire among many cultural workers to make the komedya a part of
the national theatre of the country.
 As a result, the komedya was studied by scholars and revived by artists of the legitimate theatre, who have
tried to raise it to a higher level of artistry as befits a pillar of the Filipino national theatre.
Values
 Komedya

Cultural Syncretis. Komedya Theater embodies the cultural fusion that occurred
during the colonial period, blending Spanish theatrical traditions with indigenous
Filipino customs and beliefs. This theater reflects the complex history and identity
of the Filipino people.
Example #3
 Karakoa Performances
performances related to ancient seafaring traditions and battles.

These performances often showcase the bravery and skill of

Visayan warriors and highlight the rich maritime history of the

region. Karakoa performances are dramatic presentations that

showcase the valor, bravery, and maritime prowess of ancient

Visayan warriors who utilized karakoa warships.

 Historical Background
 Karakoa Performances
 The karakoa was a type of warship commonly used by ancient Visayan warriors, particularly
during pre-colonial times in the Philippines.

 These ships were known for their distinctive features, such as their sleek design, colorful sails, and
elaborate decorations. Karakoa were not only practical vessels for warfare but also symbols of
power, prestige, and maritime supremacy in the region.

 Over time, the karakoa has become an iconic symbol of Visayan heritage and is often celebrated in
cultural festivals, reenactments, and performances.
Values
 Karakoa Performances

Valor and Bravery. These performances often celebrate the bravery, courage, and
martial prowess of ancient Visayan warriors who navigated the seas and defended
their communities using karakoa warships.
Example #4
 Sinulog Festival
religious festival in Cebu City includes street dancing and a grand parade

featuring colorful costumes, lively music, and theatrical performances. The

term "Sinulog" is derived from the Cebuano word "sulog," which means

"water current" or "flow." The festival is primarily a dance ritual in honor

of the Santo Niño, or the Child Jesus, who is regarded as the patron saint of

Cebu. The dance moves mimic the flow of the river, as the festival pays

homage to the Cebuanos' pagan past and their acceptance of Christianity.

Historical Background
 Sinulog Festival

 The Sinulog Festival traces its origins back to the early 16th century when Portuguese
explorer Ferdinand Magellan arrived in Cebu and presented the image of the Santo Niño to
Rajah Humabon and Queen Juana.

 The queen was baptized along with hundreds of her subjects, marking the beginning of
Christianity in the Philippines.

 The Sinulog Festival is a way to commemorate this event and the acceptance of Christianity
by the Filipino people.
Values
 Sinulog Festival

The Sinulog Festival is not only a religious celebration but also a cultural and historical
one. It reflects the resilience, faith, and unity of the Filipino people. Through the centuries,
despite various challenges and changes, the devotion to the Santo Niño and the celebration of
the Sinulog Festival have remained deeply ingrained in the hearts and minds of the people of
Cebu.
 1 Famous Theater Art and its artistic or social
purpose
 "Sandugo Festival Drama.“ in Tagbilaran City on the
island of Bohol in the Philippines.

 commemorates the historic Blood Compact or Sandugo

between Datu Sikatuna of Bohol and Spanish explorer
Miguel López de Legazpi, symbolizing peace and
friendship.
1 Famous Theater Arts and its artistic and
social purpose
 Its artistic purpose is to retell this significant event in
Filipino history through dramatic storytelling, elaborate
costumes, and traditional music and dance. The Sandugo
Festival Drama not only entertains but also educates and
instills a sense of cultural pride and unity among the
people of the Visayas, celebrating their heritage and
historical connections.
 References
 The, E., Bukidnon, P., Garangan, S., & Caballero-Padernal, E. (n.d.). The Panay Bukidnon Sugidanon
(Epic) and Prototype Glossaries for Epic Excerpts.
https://pjssh.upv.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/The-Panay-Bukidnon-Sugidanon-Epic-and-
Prototype-Glossaries-for-Epic-Excerpts.pdf

 THE SPANISH COLONIAL TRADITION IN PHILIPPINE THEATER. (n.d.).

http://116.50.242.167/nlpdl/CC01/NLP00VM052mcd/v7/v3.pdf

 Guzman, R. de. (2023, August 30). Karakoa Productions Tells Us What We Missed in History Class.
Keeta. https://keeta.ph/karakoa-productions-tells-us-what-we-missed-in-history-class/

 Taboclaon, A. (n.d.). Sinulog Festival in Cebu: Everything You Need to Know. Guide to the Philippines.
https://guidetothephilippines.ph/articles/history-culture/sinulog-festival-cebu-guide
 Theater Arts in
Visayas
Presented by: Group 2
Bea Nicolette M. Llevares Mariko Sapitula
Examples Lorry May Combong Grybel Mits Ganzon Values
Kenneth Joy Arenoa Fionna Maiomi Paunon
Julie Ann Padecio Jenelyn Zamora

Historical Armilyn Sino Jessica Canja

1 Famous
Backgroun Nemy Muyco Rhea Rodriguez Theater Art
d