Zarzuela, also called sarswela in the Philippines, Zarzuela (Spanish pronunciation: is a

Spanish lyric-dramatic genre that alternates between spoken and sung scenes, the
latter incorporating operatic and popular song, as well as dance. The etymology of
the name is uncertain, but some propose it may derive from the name of a Royal
hunting lodge, the Palacio de la Zarzuela near Madrid, where, allegedly, this type
of entertainment was first presented to the court.[1] The palace was named after the
place called "La Zarzuela" because of the profusion of brambles (zarzas) that grew
there, and so the festivities held within the walls became known as "Zarzuelas".
There are two main forms of zarzuela: Baroque zarzuela (c.16301750), the
earliest style, and Romantic zarzuela (c.18501950), which can be further divided
into two. Main sub-genres are gnero grande and gnero chico, although other subdivisions exist.
Zarzuela spread to the Spanish colonies, and many Hispanic countries notably
Cuba developed their own traditions. There is also a strong tradition in the
Philippines where it is also known as sarswela/sarsuela.[2] Other regional and
linguistic variants in Spain include the Basque zartzuela and the Catalan
sarsuela.A masque-like musical theatre had existed in Spain since the time of Juan
del Encina. The zarzuela genre was innovative in giving a dramatic function to the
musical numbers, which were integrated into the argument of the work. Dances
and choruses were incorporated as well as solo and ensemble numbers, all to
orchestral accompaniment.

In Cuba the afrocubanismo zarzuelas of Ernesto Lecuona (Mara la O; El cafetal),

Eliseo Grenet (La virgen morena) and Gonzalo Roig (Cecilia Valds, based on
Cirilo Villaverde's classic novel) represent a brief golden age of political and
cultural importance. These and other works centred on the plight of the mulata
woman and other black underclasses in Cuban society. The outstanding star of
many of these productions was Rita Montaner.
Mexico and the Philippines likewise had their own zarzuela traditions. In the
Philippines, the zarzuela (or sarsuwela) was supported financially by First Lady
Imelda Marcos. In addition, Zarzuela Ilocana have been staged in the Ilokano
language.[2]

Ang sarsuwela ay isang dulang may kantahan at sayawan, na mayroong isa

hanggang limang kabanata, at nagpakita ng mga sitwasyon ng Pilipino na may
kinalaman sa mga kuwento ng pag-ibig at kontemporaryong isyu. Ang sarsuela ay
impluwensiya ng mga Kastila. Kung ihahalintulad natin ang sarsuela sa isang
realistikong dula, ito ay walang gaanong kaibahan, kaya lamang ang ibang linya sa
sarsuela ay kadalasang kinakanta at patula ang dialogo nito. Kadalasan ang
sarsuela ay nagtatapos palagi sa masayang pagwawakas, kasiyahan o nakakaaliw
na tagpo. Ang tunggalian nang sarsuela ay pahaplis at pahapyaw lamang.