Krystel Coloma

IP 362

A. Agcaoili

Module 3

Module 3 contains two articles that briefly summarize the history of theater and drama. It speaks of the influences from the Japanese, the Spaniards and the Americans. It introduces all of the types of plays or theater as a result of those colonizers as well as other like countries in Europe. One type of play or theater introduced was the komedya which was later turned into comedia. Then there was the playlets, the sinakulo, the zarzuela – later sarswela, the drama, the vaudewille – later bodabil, the absurd, the brechtian theater and the chidlren’s theater . They also explained how the English and the local language theater came to be as a result of the national languages in the country. It also delves into the political aspects tied with the industry such as the EDSA 1 and 2 and the Martial Law implemented by the former president, Ferdinand Marcos. The two articles also give the titles and examples of those forms of drama while explaining its history. It shows how theater has affected the people in the different parts of the country.

One such class of theater formed as a result of the Spanish and American stay was the seditious plays. These plays surfaced after American President Theodore Roosevelt declared general amnesty and officially ended the war between the Filipino and the American people. These plays were anti-American as well as anti-Spanish. The playwrights for the film disguised the props, the actor’s costumes, their manners and scenes to reflect their anti-American and anti-Spanish thoughts. Because it was a form of nationalism, which advocated Philippine independence, was a form of guerilla warfare and an insult to the Americans, the Sedition Act was passed in November 1901. This act made it illegal for anyone to make seditious plays or they would be arrested. There were many writers, crewmen and actors imprisoned for this. In one occasion, the entire audience was arrested.

It is really interesting to know the history of these forms of plays and theater because it allows us to understand how and why the form is the way it is. It also allows us to understand the history as well as the influences for that certain type of theater. For instance the komedya is an interesting one because not only have we seen how it is actually performed but the history of it as well as the types of characters in the play and how and why they speak in that tone and verse. One type of form that I happen to really like is the bodabil and that is because it is most of the forms in one. It has drama, comedy, action, music, dancing and singing all in one show. I also has burlesque shows.

Module 4

Gariela Silang is the wife of Diego Silang. She was one of the fighters for freedom for the Filipino people. She was separated from her mother and left lonesome by her father because of his death. She was widowed at an early age because her rich husband had passed therefore allowing her to marry again. This allowed her to unite with Diego, a revolutionary leader to liberate the people. The two could not bare children but it did not stop them from having fruitful lives together as they both went on to be advocators and fighters for the oppressed Filipinos. The play in the text only went to cover maybe a little portion of her life as she went on to do better and bigger things after her husband had passed away making her a widow for the second time. She is the first woman to lead the people into a revolt at the time of the Spanish colonization. Unfortunately, a little later after her had husband passed she passed also. She and a few of her men were caught as they were trying to escape.

They story or play in the textbook only showed a portion of her and her husband’s life. It is also not in detail and present in a verse or song form. Thus, not including much of the details that a book or an essay would have. So I had to find another way to learn more about the two. The play in the text does however do a great job at introducing the first part of her life in adulthood as well as bits of pieces during her life with her second husband, Diego.

In my eyes, Gabriela is a strong and courageous women who stood up for her people and her beliefs. She kept her husband alive by fighting on and leading the people after he had passed. She personally led her attacks and did not stand behind a protective and safe wall. She was out in the field where all the action and danger was. Not only was she a role model and great figure in the history of the Filipino people but she was also a devoted wife and daughter.

Although not successful in escaping away from her execution she did succeed in being a great role model to other women who later fought for the same or different cause. She also serves as great role model to men. She proves that women are capable of being the leader as well as a homemaker. She proves that women can fight alongside men and hold her own.

When she was captured and executed she did it with courage and did not show to her capturers no fear. It is said in an article from the Ilocos Sur Government website that when she was hanged she went out calm and shining with courage which “befitted a heroine”. The same article, “Joan of Arc of Ilocandia” said that “She deserves the garland of greatness, for she fought and died for her people’s freedom. She was truly the “first woman general” and the “first female martyr” in the Philippine history” which is something I totally agree with. She paved the way for women in a “man’s world” to have the courage to be able to put their two cents in. She also paved the way for future revolution and change.

Frustrations Powerpoint