Philippine E-Journals

Societies and Personages in Philippine Theater (1846-96)

Cristina Lacónico-Buenaventura

 

Abstract:

The author discussed the different societies and personages in the Philippine Theater. One of the societies is the La Sociedad de Recreo. This is the first recorded society for theater purposes in Manila (Retana 1909:64-69). Inaugurated by Governor-General Narciso Claveria on 31 October 1844, it counted among its members not only theater aficionados but personages of high culture as well. There were no professional Spanish actors in Manila at the time; hence, the society filled the need of lovers of the art.