Featured Post

Popol Vuh: The Definitive Edition of the Mayan Book of the Dawn of Life and the Glories of Gods and Kings by Dennis Tedlock

This volume can be divided into two parts. First is the introduction of the Popol Vuh; second, the translation of the work itself. It is...

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Antigong Agong and the Six Elements of Tragedy

PLOT
At first glance, the story might be about Sam and his friends, but it was only through them that a more important theme of the story has been told. The musical play was all about the small community in Jolo, Sulu whose bloody history was long forgotten by the generations that followed after the massacre. At the end of the story we see that Sam and Amrayda's marriage was more important and symbolic. What seems to be an ordinary concern of a young Tausug complicates to challenges that led to self-discovery of great proportions.
CHARACTERS
The actors were well suited to their roles considering the fact that they are real Tausugs who carry with them their culture and tradition. Sam appeared to be the protagonist of the play but he was only the instrument through which the story was told.
DICTION
The dialogues were appropriate for each character based on the personality they have established from the very beginning. They might have changed views in the end but their lines reflect the same principles all throughout.
THOUGHT
Some of their social commentaries were ripe with attacks on current issues. It also shows the comic side of life of the Filipinos even in the midst of difficulties. The battle against poverty, discrimination and war did not just end with the Bud Dahu massacre. We still fight for the same ideals until today.
SPECTACLE
The overall stage appearance was imposing and yet it was very appropriate for the play. The scene where the massacre took place can make the audience feel as if they were really at the foot of Mt. Bud Dahu
MELODY
The songs have a lot to do with the impact of the musical. They were not only able to show the traditional musical instruments to the younger people in the audience but also the dances which they mixed with contemporary moves and martial arts.

The play was not tragic in essence. The massacre may have occured but the marriage of Sam and Amrayda was a new beginning for the entire community.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Comments are always welcome! Please keep it clean.