Philippine Literature and Drama During the American Period

Historical Context of Philippine Literature and the Spanish Period


  • Significant literary works or themes associated with the transition from the Spanish era include

    Mi Ultimo Adios

    • Sobre la indolencia de los filipinos

    • Ang Ningning at ang Liwanag

    • Ang Pag-ibig

    • Pag-ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa

Transition to the American Colonial Period

  • A new chapter in Philippine literature began when the Philippines came under the administration of the United States following the Spanish-American War.

  • American influence significantly impacted five key areas of Filipino life:

    • Education

    • Language

    • Literature

    • Journalism

    • Culture

Proliferation of the English Language and Education

  • The spread of the English language is considered one of the most significant changes in literature during this era.

  • English was taught in schools and utilized as the primary medium for both education and communication.

  • Through this linguistic shift, Filipinos learned to:

    • Read in English

    • Write in English

    • Translate literary works

    • Create original compositions in the English language

  • Public schools were established and expanded across the archipelago.

  • American teachers, known as the Thomasites, arrived in the Philippines to facilitate the new educational system.

Government and Democracy under American Influence

  • The American system heavily influenced the structure of the Philippine government, introducing several key features:

    • The implementation of elections.

    • The establishment of three branches of government: Executive, Legislative, and Judiciary.

    • The creation of a bicameral legislature consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

    • The ratification of laws and the formalization of a constitution.

Development of Philippine Literature in English

  • During this period, Philippine literature written in English began to flourish and develop.

  • Filipino writers started producing various literary forms, including:

    • Poetry (Tula)

    • Short Stories (Maikling kuwento)

    • Essays (Sanaysay)

    • Novels (Nobela)

    • Plays (Dula)

Drama (Dula) as the Primary Literary Form

  • Drama served as the primary form of literature during the American period.

  • Major themes explored in these plays included:

    • Nationalism and Love for Country

    • Love

    • Freedom and Justice

  • There were four main types of plays during this era:

    • 1. Sarsuwela

    • 2. Drama of the Modern Period (Dula sa Makabagong Panahon)

    • 3. Staged Plays with varied themes (Dulang Pantanghalan)

    • 4. Musical Plays (Dulang Musikal)

The Sarsuwela in the Philippines

  • The Sarsuwela is a form of musical drama that originally developed in Spain during the 17th century.

  • It incorporates three core elements: narrative (salaysay), dance (sayaw), and music (tugtugin).

  • It was brought to the Philippines by Alejandro Cubero in 1880.

  • Alejandro Cubero, along with Elise Raguer, established "Teatro Fernandez," which was the first group of Filipino sarsuwelistas in the country.

  • Atang de la Rama is recognized as the "Queen of Sarsuwela."

Severino Reyes and the Legacy of Lola Basyang

  • Severino Reyes was born on February 11, 1861.

  • He was a prolific writer, playwright, and editor who was instrumental in revitalizing Filipino literary culture.

  • He is known as the "Father of Tagalog Sarsuwela."

  • In 1925, he began using the pen name "Lola Basyang" in Liwayway Magazine.

  • The character of Lola Basyang was created as an image of a kind, storytelling grandmother.

  • The purpose of the Lola Basyang stories was to make moral lessons familiar and appealing to children.

Modern Drama and Staged Play Classifications

  • Drama in the Modern Period:

    • This form was heavily influenced by the English language.

    • It was primarily understood by the educated class.

    • The Americans introduced new entertainment forms including acrobats, magicians, comedians, and tap dancing.

    • Performances were held in schools, universities, auditoriums, and even vacant lots.

    • Access to these theaters was not equal among all Filipinos.

  • Classifications of Staged Plays (Dulang Pantanghalan):

    • Melodrama: Characterized by a sad beginning but concludes with a happy ending.

    • Komedya: Features battles, marches, and magical or mysterious effects.

    • Trahedya (Tragedy): Ends with the death or defeat of the protagonist.

    • Parsa (Farce): Consists of a succession of humorous or funny events.

    • Saynete: Depicts the customs and manners of people in a specific location.

  • Musical Plays:

    • Similar to the sarsuwela, these productions combine narrative, dance, and music.

    • The primary themes usually revolve around mythology and heroism.