The theater, through its rich artistic roots, has hosted thousands of well-written tales.

Like its foreign counterparts, Filipino literature, too, has found its way in local and international theater stagings. Our oldest known epic, Biag ni Lam-Ang has been made into a musical, most recently performed by Tanghalang Pilipino. And even modern Filipino fiction, such as Bob Ong’s Ang Paboritong Libro ni Hudas, has been adapted to a stage play by Teatro Tomasino. Filipino authors and playwrights, after all, are exceptional artists possessing world-class talent worthy of global praise. Here are four other works worth revisiting:

Tatarin (or The Summer Solstice) by Nick Joaquin

Tatarin is a short story known to be a personal favorite of its author, National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin. He eventually adapted it into a play, Tatarin: A Witches’ Sabbath in Three Acts. And in 2001, it made its way to film under the direction of Tikoy Aguiluz. Joaquin’s controversial tale has polarized critics for its depiction of feminism at the turn of the century. The story acknowledges pre-colonial Filipino traditions in the middle of a transitory period from Spanish to American regimes. And in this periodical setting, hosts a cast of characters whose conflicting beliefs offer unique perspectives of the zeitgeist. Amada, based on the rituals of Tatarin, was translated through dance by no less than National Artis for dance Alice Reyes with Ballet Philippines. On its premiere in 1970, the music was composed by National Artist for music Lucrecia Kasilag.

Mga Kwento ni Lola Basyang by Severino Reyes

One of the most popular figures in Filipino literature is Lola Basyang, an elderly woman who fondly tells imaginative stories to her grandchildren akin to Mother Goose, in a series of short stories entitled Mga Kwento ni Lola Basyang. Lola Basyang is, in fact, a nom de plume of Severino Reyes, founder and editor of Liwayway magazine, from which it was published. Ballet Manila produced Tatlong Kuwento ni Lola Basyang in 2009, with Osias Barroso, Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, and the late Tony Fabella choreographing, partnered with musical composers Mon Faustino, Joey Ayala, and Ryan Cayabyab respectively. Its critical success would soon be followed a few years after by Tatlo Pang Kuwento ni Lola Basyang, with a new set of stories.

Ang Kagilagilalas na Pakikipagsapalaran ni Zsazsa Zaturnnah (or The Amazing Adventures of Zsazsa Zaturnnah) by Carlo Vergara

Merging the worlds of comic books and theater is Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah, Carlo Vergara’s homage to Mars Ravelos’ Filipina superheroine, Darna. Unlike Darna, Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah’s alter ego is an effeminate homosexual male named Ada who longs for love and acceptance. Its theater adaptation by Tanghalang Pilipino gained a massive cult following thanks to a combination of fans of the comic book (which garnered awards locally) and the exceptional cast led by Eula Valdez, who played the titular heroine. By the end of its run in 2011, Tanghalang Pilipino clocked in a total of 95 shows, making it the longest-running musical of the theater company.

Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not) by Jose Rizal

Of course, nobody will ever forget our national hero’s magnum opus, Noli Me Tangere. Not only does it deserve its mention because of its author, but also because it holds the honor of becoming the first full-length Filipino opera. It is a riveting saga that follows the rise and fall of  Crisostomo Ibarra and several minor characters under the oppression of Spanish friars. This opera of three acts sung entirely in our local language was developed by two National Artists, Felipe Padilla de León (composer) and Guillermo Tolentino (librettist). Then famous soprano coloratura Fides Cuyugan-Asensio played Sisa in its debut in 1957. Since its first staging, it has been revived several times locally and has seen audiences in the US as well. Among many illustrious names who have been in its theater adaptation, is Asia’s songbird, Regine Velasquez, who played female lead Maria Clara.

As we reach the final days of this month, which commemorates the beauty and magic of the Filipino language, may we be reminded of how words empower the beautiful narratives of theater. And how Philippine culture, with its picturesque vistas of iconic garbs, distinct music, and unique dances, is further glorified through words and its many meanings. We joyfully encourage and celebrate the use of our magnificent language and its transcendence to the theater arts. Mabuhay ang Teatrong Pilipino at Maligayang Buwan ng Wika from Samsung Performing Arts Theater!

For more information, contact inquire.cpat@ayalaland.com.ph or call via (+63917) 804.9336.