• The earliest form of drama in the Philippines was the “komedya,” a folk theater tradition that originated in Spain during the 16th century. The “komedya” featured biblical and historical stories, and was often performed during religious festivals and celebrations.
• In the 17th and 18th centuries, the Spanish introduced the “zarzuela,” a genre of musical theater that combined singing, dancing, and spoken dialogue. The “zarzuela” became popular in the Philippines, and was often performed in theaters and other venues.
American Period
• During the American colonial period (1898-1946), the Philippines saw the rise of modern theater. In the early 20th century, Filipino playwrights such as Severino Reyes and Aurelio Tolentino began writing plays in English and Spanish, which were performed by local theater companies.
• In the 1930s and 1940s, the Philippine theater scene flourished, with the establishment of numerous theater companies and the production of many critically acclaimed plays. Some of the notable Filipino playwrights of this period include:
o Jose Ma. Hernandez
o Lualhati Bautista
o Nick Joaquin
o Francisco Soc Rodrigo
o Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero
Post-War Period
• After World War II, the Philippine theater scene continued to grow and diversify, with the emergence of new theater companies and the production of a wide range of plays. Some of the notable Filipino playwrights of the post-war period include:
o Rene Villanueva
o Rolando Tinio
o Edgardo Reyes
o Floy Quintos
o Nestor Torre, Jr.
Contemporary Philippine Theater
• In recent decades, the Philippine theater scene has continued to thrive, with the production of a wide range of plays, including experimental theater, musical theater, children’s theater, and traditional folk theater.
• Some of the notable Filipino playwrights of the contemporary period include:
o Rody Vera
o Carlos Siguion-Reyna
o Floy Quintos
o Amelia Lapena-Bonifacio
o Chris Martinez