Ibong Adarna: Reliving Philippine's Vast Literature

Blog # 7

Informal Theme # 7

  Corrido are long verse narratives on chivalric-heroic, religious, legendary and folkoric themes. Others define it as a metrical story, usually sung to the accompaniment of a guitar, in fandango style. Gantimpala Theater Foundation made a mark to Filipinos as they give live theater for the past 32 years. I am glad and lucky indeed that I watched one, which is Ibong Adarna.

   Considering the location, it was difficult to set the stage since the place for the live theater was a gymnasium rather than an auditorium. Inside an auditorium, all lights can be controlled. But because of the gymnasium windows, still letting the light pass through, the focus of the audience to the play itself was not that good. Personally, this was only the major flaw yet not of the play, but of the desired location.

   Artists portraying and acting-out their characters were excellent. One thing that really impressed me is that the dialogs were retained almost in its whole corrido form. Rhymes amazed me a lot. Adding more artistry, the characters were set to be in the Muslim kingdom. Ibong Adarna's setting is more European but through this, it gave a Filipino touch. Adding musical numbers from the narrator made the play so fantastic, putting more color into it. From Don Fernando to Haring Salermo, all of them made my thumbs go up. Obvious to the audience's reaction, Aaron Villaflor, being the main protagonist, garnered much attention and made a good job entertaining them.

  

   A vibrant presentation indeed! Every scene remained colorful and artistic. Props and backgrounds were detailed and it contributed a lot for the play to be not dull. From the beaded umbrellas and embroidered costumes, to the sparkling bath scene of Maria Blanca and the creative shadow figures of the seven-headed serpent. Every decorative ornaments can be inferred to be carefully selected and underwent series of selection before finalizing them.

   Filipinos are talents. Proving once again our skills in performing arts, pride for Gantimpala Theater Foundation was engraved in my mind and heart. Ibong Adarna showed so much uniqueness and style as the play flows gracefully with talented artists.

   Ibong Adarna cast after the play (from other venue of performance).

Don Juan, Don Pedro, and Don Diego

Cast having great time after the play. :)