STC to present Filipino zarzuela, Dalagang Bukid

In celebration of her 80 years as a learning institution, the St. Theresa’s College-Cebu will bring back to stage the most popular Filipino zarzuela, Dalagang Bukid, at the STC auditorium from Aug. 28 to 31.

Written by the father of Tagalog zarzuela, Hemogenes Ilagan, with music composed by Leon Ignacio and first staged in 1917, Dalagang Bukid is a 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.

Dalagang Bukid 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, truly models for today’s youth.

As the story of Dalagang Bukid unfolds on stage, the audience will not only see Filipino customs and traditions, but also Filipino heritage of faith. It will showcase 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 endure? Watch this beautiful, 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 Oporto (technical director), Bobby Bargamento (choreographer), Adrian Muntuerto (stage director) and April Joy Seville (assistant to the directors).

Tickets are for matinee (2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.) and evening performances (6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.).

For more information, please contact STC Information Office at 2536337), STC Planning Office at 2563165 or St. Theresa’s Alumnae Association at 2534928.