This World Theatre Day, we remember some of the most iconic women characters in local productions
Happy World Theatre Day! Every year, the International Theatre Institute Worldwide invites a globally recognized theater artist to craft and deliver a message for the event. This year’s message is penned by acclaimed theater director Theodoros Terzopoulos. He is joined by Pregones/Puerto Rican Traveling Theater artistic director and co-founder Rosalba Rolon and playwright and dramaturg Adam Ashraf Elsayigh in delivering special messages for the occasion.
In their messages, the three theater artists made appeals to come together as a community, calling on the power of collective response, resistance, and empathy.
With World Theater Day also happening in March, aka Women’s Month, we at Nolisoli think it is but apt to celebrate the occasion by remembering the strong women—Filipina!—characters we’ve admired on stage.
Roxane in “Mula sa Buwan”
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Feisty and passionate, Roxane is one of the many admirable women in the world of “Mula sa Buwan.” She is adamant about her dreams, and fierce in her belief that she is more than just a prize to be won. Largely driven by romantic love (which is not to be looked down upon!), we see just how brave Roxane can be, as she defies expectations and a raging war just to be with her beloved.
Emma in “Anino sa Likod ng Buwan”
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A pivotal character in “Anino sa Likod ng Buwan,” Emma possesses a complexity that is a thrill to watch unfold. Her fiery passion is evident in how she takes ownership and exercises power in her sexuality and sensuality, and in how she ultimately stands up for the cause she’s fought her life for.
Elsa and Nimia in “Isang Himala”/“Himala: Isang Musikal”
Elsa and Nimia are interesting contrasts in the world of “Himala.” They both display strength and cunning, albeit on different fronts. Elsa relishes in her newfound popularity and influence, rising from being the town’s strange, oft-useless girl to everyone’s savior. Meanwhile, Nimia calls it out for what it is: that they are both women selling “miracles,” just through different means—Elsa, through perceived divinely given powers, and Nimia through bodily pleasure.
Read: The rebirth of a two-time classic: The making of ‘Isang Himala’
Basha in “One More Chance The Musical”
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We all know “One More Chance” and Basha—and perhaps have taken inspiration from her character and situation, too. It takes immense strength to let go of something (or someone!) we’ve become so familiar with, close to, and comfortable with. But it is Basha’s brave decision to choose herself and put her own dreams and growth first that makes her admirable. Equally praiseworthy is her courage to admit her regrets. There’s also power in embracing our emotions and our desires, and Basha showed us exactly that.
Julia in “Walang Aray”
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What endeared “Walang Aray” to audiences is its mix of contrasting elements that just made so much comedic sense. Its historical setting injected with contemporary jokes, choreography, and even TikTok references made it memorable and fun. But it’s also in characters like its leading lady Julia, who subverts the dalagang Filipina image by being spunky, outspoken, and confident, that makes its message even more revolutionary.
Sister Teresita Castillo in “Grace”
There is a quiet tenacity in Sister Teresita’s character, evident throughout “Grace.” The strength of her belief in her visions, her resoluteness in the face of scrutiny, doubt, and even betrayal by those close to her, make her one of the characters that truly leave a lasting impression even after the curtains close.
