Philippine E-Journals

Reshaping the Sarswela Form in Nicanor G. Tiongson’s Pilipina Circa 1907

Gerardo Zaragosa Torres

Discipline: Performing Arts

 

Abstract:

The true zarzuela actress never loses hope that the Filipino zarzuela will rise again. -- Katerina Alonso

 

The rebirth of the Filipino sarsuwela, which can be attributed to the emergence of a national consciousness among the young scholars and artists in the latter part of the sixties, is one of the most significant episodes in the history of Philippine theater. In his essay, "The Zarzuela in the Philippines," playwright-critic Isagani R. Cruz points out the need to revitalize the traditional sarsuwela form.