MAPEH 10 | QUARTER 4: 20TH AND 21ST CENTURY MULTIMEDIA FORMS | Zer Les

Introduction to Multimedia Forms

Welcome and Overview

• Teacher Lester, also known as Zurless, welcomes students to a new learning session and encourages subscriptions for updates on future videos.

• The topic of discussion is 20th and 21st-century multimedia forms, specifically focusing on opera, ballet, and musical plays in the Philippines.

Learning Objectives

• Students will learn to describe how ideas or stories are presented in musical plays through live performances or videos.

• They will explain the combination of theatrical elements with music and media to achieve specific effects.

• Students will create or improvise sounds, music, gestures, movements, and costumes using media technology for selected parts of a musical play.

Opera in the Philippines

Historical Context

• Filipino opera emerged in the 19th century with foreign performers like instrumental virtuosi and Spanish zarzuela artists captivating local audiences.

Definition of Opera

• Opera is defined as an art form where singers perform a dramatic work combining text (libretto) with a musical score accompanied by an orchestra; all dialogue is sung.

Local Theaters

• Key local theaters include:

• Zorilla Theater (1817–1893)

• Principe Alfonso Theater (1862–1876)

• Variedades Theater (1847)

• Kiapo Theater

• Tondo Theater (popular since 1841)

• Manila Grand Opera House (mid-19th century)

• Metropolitan Theater (established in 1931)

Early Philippine Operas

Notable Works

• "Sandugong Panaginip," composed by Ladislao Bonus—considered the first Filipino opera—was first performed at Zorilla Theater on August 2, 1902. It was later translated into English as "The Dream Alliance."

Key Figures

• Bonifacio Abdon was noted as the first Filipino opera conductor. Dr. Ramon was recognized for promoting local talents internationally.

Famous Composers and Operas

Prominent Compositions

• Felipe Padilla de Leon composed significant operas such as:

• "Noli Me Tangere" premiered in 1957 at FEU Auditorium.

• "La Loba Negra," composed by Francisco Feliciano.

Ballet in the Philippines

Cultural Significance

• Filipino ballet often adapts folktales from local fables and epics. Notable works include:

• "Lola Basha," aimed at rekindling interest in Philippine literature.

Musical Plays in the Philippines

Overview of Musical Plays

• The Philippines has a rich tradition in ballet and musical plays, often adapting novels, literary works, or biographical sketches. Musical plays are generally lighter than operas with contemporary themes and less intense acting.

Broadway Musicals Influence

• Broadway musicals have significantly influenced Filipino musical plays. Notable examples include "Showboat," which explores themes of transport in the American frontier, and other classics like "The King and I" (royalty), "My Fair Lady" (English aristocracy), and "West Side Story" (interracial gang rivalry).

Notable Filipino Musicals

• "Andres Bonifacio: Ang Dapat Ipaglaban" is a five-act musical commissioned by Alfonso Puyat in 1979 that depicts the life of revolutionary hero Andres Bonifacio, featuring music by Jerry Dadap.

• "Atang Dulang Mai" focuses on Atang de la Rama, the first superstar of Philippine theater, written by Floyd Quintos and directed by Alexander Cortes.

Additional Works

• "Kathy" tells the story of bodybuilder Cathy de la Cruz with music arranged by Nono Buen Camino and lyrics by Jose Javier Reyes.

• "No Limit Angere," a three-act opera composed by Felipe Padilla de Leon with libretto by Guillermo Tolentino, premiered at FEU Auditorium in 1957.

Themes in Other Productions

• "El Filibusterismo," written four years after its predecessor “Noli Me Tangere,” continues to explore Filipino struggles against Spanish colonial rule.

• "Florente at Laura," presented for Francisco Balagtas' 200th birth anniversary, showcases classic themes from Philippine literature.

Modern Productions

• “Maximoloka” is one of CCP's longest-running musicals that portrays young dreamers facing life's harsh realities. It was staged at CCP Main Theater from April 7 to 24, 1988.

Conclusion & Performance Task

• The discussion covered various multimedia forms from the 20th to 21st century in the Philippines including opera, ballet, and musical plays. Students are tasked to collaborate on a performance piece inspired by these genres using media technology.

Final Thoughts