STC stages Zarzuela ‘Dalagang Bukid’

CEBU, Philippines - In celebration of its 80 years as a learning institution, St. Theresa’s College (STC)-Cebu will bring back to stage the most popular Filipino zarzuela “Dalagang Bukid” at the STC Auditorium Marie Adolphine Hall. It began its run on August 28 and will have its final playdate today, Aug. 31.

Written by the Father of Tagalog zarzuela, Hermogenes Ilagan, with music composed by Leon Ignacio and first staged in 1917, “Dalagang Bukid” is a love story about a young flower vendor Angelita, and her childhood sweetheart, Cipriano. She is also the object of affection of Don Silvestre, a widower and a loan shark who uses his riches to try to win her by taking advantage of her parents’ financial dilemma.

Through the storyline, issues such as gambling, usury, colonial mentality and other negative values are brought into focus. However, it is also a story filled with positive and redeeming Filipino values. This is important as the changing times have challenged our values and beliefs.

It shows an ideal Filipino in the character of Cipriano who embodies righteousness and trust. Angelita, on the other hand, demonstrates every Filipina’s deep love of family and respect for elders. Both characters show the admirable Filipino trait of resilience despite adversities.

As the story of “Dalagang Bukid” unfolds on stage, the audience will not only see Filipino customs and traditions, but also our heritage of faith. It showcases our penchant for pageantry – featuring a festival, a religious procession, the coronation of a festival queen and the salon de bayle.

For Cebuanos to better appreciate Dalagang Bukid, the play will be in Cebuano as translated by STC alumna and director-playwright, the late Telly Java-Ampatin. Songs will be in the traditional Filipino love song genre, the Kundiman.

Will the love between Angelita and Cipriano prevail? Can honesty triumph over deception?  Watch this entertaining, educational play of love, trust and perseverance. 

“Dalagang Bukid” is co-presented by the St. Theresa’s Alumnae Association and directed by distinguished alumna, Delia Aliño-Villacastin with the team of directors: Amor Reyes-Caparas (Musical Director), Joel S. Oporto (Technical Director), Bobby G. Bargamento (Choreographer), Adrian S. Muntuerto (Stage Director) and April Joy G. Seville (Assistant to the  Directors).

Tickets are available for matinee for students (2:00 pm to 4:30 pm) at P99; P500 for general public and P1,000 for Alumnae and Donors (August 30 & 31).  Proceeds will benefit STC’s Scholarship Program.

For more information, contact the STC Planning Office (256-3165), STC Information Office (253-6337), or St. Theresa’s Alumnae Association (253-4928).  Or you may call Institutional Planning Officer Lilu Aliño (0922) 825-2205/(0917) 655-0088. (FREEMAN)