Zarzuela Viva: Celebrating the Spanish-Filipino Theatrical Heritage

The cultural heartbeat of Manila will echo with the melodies of Spain and the soul of Filipino artistry this August, as Instituto Cervantes, the Embassy of Spain, and the University of Santo Tomas (UST) launch Zarzuela Viva—a month-long celebration of zarzuela, the beloved musical theatre genre that once dominated Philippine stages.

Running from August 1 to 28, Zarzuela Viva pays tribute to the zarzuela’s profound influence on Philippine performing arts, bridging a shared legacy between Spain and the Philippines. Once the centerpiece of Filipino entertainment during the Spanish colonial era, zarzuela—known locally as sarswela—combined drama, music, and social themes, capturing the hearts of generations.

The month’s festivities will begin with weekly screenings of classic Spanish zarzuelas. Opening the series on August 1 at Instituto Cervantes in Intramuros is Tiempo de Zarzuela, a documentary by Cristina Otero Roth. On August 7, audiences will enjoy La del manojo de rosas by Pablo Sorozábal, followed by El barberillo de Lavapiés by Francisco Asenjo Barbieri on August 14, and El sobre verde by Jacinto Guerrero on August 28. The latter two screenings will be held at the Central Laboratory Auditorium of UST.

More than just viewing, the celebration invites participation. From August 18 to 22, Spanish pianist Ramón Grau of Madrid’s Teatro de La Zarzuela will lead a 4-day intensive workshop at UST’s Conservatory of Music. Open to advanced music students, the workshop will dive into the interpretation and performance of zarzuela, culminating in a public recital.

On August 26, the event’s highlight—Zarzuela-Sarswela—will bring the workshop’s fruits to the stage. Grau, alongside his workshop participants, will perform selections from the Spanish zarzuelas featured earlier in the month, paired with Filipino sarswela pieces. The concert, set at the Education Auditorium of UST’s Albertus Magnus Building, is open to the public upon registration.

Zarzuela Viva is not just a nostalgic look at a theatrical form, but a cultural revival, celebrating the enduring resonance of zarzuela in the Filipino spirit. Organized in partnership with AECID, Teatro de La Zarzuela, and the Intramuros Administration, the program rekindles the Filipino’s deep-rooted love for music, storytelling, and shared heritage.