Pre-Hispanic Indigenous Traditions:
- Rituals: Performances linked to religious rituals, fertility rites, and harvest ceremonies.
- Folk Narratives: Epics, legends, myths, and folktales passed down orally through generations.
Spanish Colonial Influences (16th-19th centuries):
- Moriones Festivals: Reenactments of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus during Holy Week.
- Cenaculo: Dramatic presentations of the Passion and death of Jesus Christ.
- Komedia: Secular plays inspired by Spanish zarzuelas and morality plays, typically featuring song, dance, and exaggerated characters.
American Colonial Period (early 20th century):
- Vaudeville: Traveling variety shows introduced during the American occupation, featuring music, comedy sketches, and short plays.
- Broadway Musicals: Exposure to popular American musicals like those by Rodgers & Hammerstein influenced the development of musical theater.
Post-World War II Development (mid-20th century onwards):
- Social Realism: Plays delving into social issues and political themes, influenced by the Philippine socio-political landscape.
- Avant-Garde and Experimental Theater: Emergence of artistic movements focused on unconventional storytelling techniques and experimental stagecraft.
- Theater of the Oppressed: Augusto Boal's philosophy inspired interactive and participatory forms of theater for social transformation.
- Theater for Development: Use of drama as a tool for community development and education, often addressing issues like health, education, and poverty.
- Filipino Musical Theater: Modern musical productions drawing from traditional Philippine music, dance, and culture.
Overall, Philippine drama draws on a rich tapestry of indigenous, colonial, and contemporary influences, reflecting the diverse social and cultural heritage of the Philippines.