MANILA, Philippines — National Artist for Theater Amelia Lapeña-Bonifacio has passed away, the National Center for Culture and Arts (NCCA) confirmed in a statement. She was 90.
A separate statement from the Teatrong Mulat ng Pilipinas—which she founded — said that Lapeña-Bonifacio died on Tuesday morning at around 7:00 a.m.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of National Artist Amelia Lapeña-Bonifacio, University of the Philippines Professor Emeritus and Founding Artistic Director of Teatrong Mulat ng Pilipinas at 7 AM today, December 29, 2020 at the age of 90,” NCCA said in a tweet.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of National Artist Amelia Lapeña-Bonifacio, University of the Philippines Professor Emeritus and Founding Artistic Director of Teatrong Mulat ng Pilipinas at 7 AM today, December 29, 2020 at the age of 90. pic.twitter.com/7u9ygYru9G
— NCCA PH (@NCCAOfficial) December 29, 2020
Known as the “Grande Dame of Southeast Asian Children’s Theatre,” Lapeña-Bonifacio was credited for being one of the pioneers of the study of theater, founding several groups that spurred the development of the Philippine theater industry.
Her plays and creations centered on children topics and other discussions about women and local folktales.