Nationalistic Arts in Southeast Asia

Nationalistic Theater, Dance, and Art in Southeast Asia

• Nationalistic theater, dance, and art in Southeast Asia aim to instill patriotism and national identity.
• Artworks serve as symbols of national identity, allowing people to easily recognize their country.

Sarsuwela

• A musical play that alternates spoken and sung scenes.
• Originated from the Spanish Zarzuela.
• Shows Filipino history and culture during the Spanish colonial period in the Philippines.

Miss Saigon

• Set in Saigon, Vietnam, 1975.
• American soldiers celebrate the final days of the war with local prostitutes.
• Shown from London's West End to New York's Broadway.

The King and I

• Musical about a widowed English school teacher invited by the King of Siam to teach his many wives and children.

Nationalistic Dance

• Dance involves a succession of bodily motions and steps rhythmically performed with music.
• Dances can be social, ceremonial, competitive, erotic, exercise, or religious.

Aduk-Aduk and Adai-Adal

• Songs and dances performed by the Kedayan tribe in Brunei.
• Performed during harvest holidays and at the end of the harvest season.
• Often accompanied by drums, coconut shells, and brass musical instruments called gulingtangan.

Apsara

• Beautiful, divine entities descending from the heavens to entertain gods and kings through enchanting dance.

Lam Vong

• National dance of Laos.
• Slow and graceful couples dance.
• Men in an inner circle and women in an outer circle, moving in their respective rounds.

Kecak

• Performed by many male dancers.
• Depicts the story of Ramayana.
• Dancers sit in a circle, shout “cak”, and raise both arms with a rhythm.

Margapati

• Created by Nyoman Kaler in the early 20th century.
• Strong male movements with female poise and beauty.
• Performed by female dancers, telling a story of a lion hunting down prey (Marga) and the king(Pati).

Indang

• An Islamic dance also known as Dindin Badindin.
• Represents common prayers and gratitude to Allah for blessings and mercy.

Wau Bulan

• A folk song and dance.
• Performers sit on the floor or stage, singing and doing hand and body movements.
• The song is about kites (wau) and the half-moon (bulan).

Singapura

• Combines rich native forms with modern dance styles.
• Depicts city life in Singapore and takes audiences on a dance journey through landmarks and traditions.

Manohra

• Tells the love story of a prince and a half-bird half-human creature named Manohra, a Kinaree.
• Includes jealousy, manipulation, rescuing, and a happy ending.

Hat Dance

• Performed for traditional ceremonies and festivals.
• A group of women hold conical hats, spinning, twisting, and exchanging them with synchronization and grace.

Tinikling

• Uses two persons beating, tapping, and sliding bamboo poles on the ground.
• Dancers hop, turn, and step over the poles, mimicking a Tinikling bird.

Cariñosa

• Features Maria Clara, a fictional heroine cherished by Filipinas who entice men with scented handkerchiefs.

Binusuan

• Women perform balancing tricks with wine glasses.
• They hold glasses and balance another glass atop their heads.

Sayaw sa Bangko

• Performers must have skill and balance as they dance on narrow benches, constantly trading places.

Maglalatik

• Uses coconut shell halves secured onto dancers' hands and vests.
• Four or six more coconut shell halves are also attached.

Idaw

• Depicts Igorot warriors in a hunting ritual before battle with rival tribes.

Singkil

• Retells an episode from the epic legend Darangen.
• Portrays Prince Bantugan's rescue of Princess Gandingan who was abducted by the diwatas.

Nationalistic Art

• Artworks help instill patriotism and love for the country.
• They serve as national identity symbols.

Bonifacio and Katipunan Revolution Monument

• Designed by Filipino sculptor Eduardo Castrillo.
• Located in Ermita, Manila.

Spoliarium

• Created by Filipino artist Juan Luna.
• Depicts slave gladiators being stripped of garments and armor by Roman soldiers.

Filipino Struggles Through History (by Carlos “Botong” Francisco)

• One of the masterpieces of Filipino national artist Carlos “Botong” Francisco.
• Displayed at the National Museum.