Restoration transpires in different entities, both in the living and the non-living. The films I’ve watched recently and the Sunday’s Gospel about the rise of Lazarus were indications that restoration, a return to an earlier condition, usually a better one, was a dominant theme present in my life the past days.
Amid a tight schedule, I found time to look for a Filipino architectural work I can critique. It didn’t turn out as difficult as I expected, thanks to a colleague who brought up the idea of probing the once flourishing setting of Metropolitan Theater (Met) in Manila. How fitting it was for my life’s restoration theme since the city government of Manila planned to relive the glory of Met which came to a halt 12 years ago.
Built in 1931 by Juan Arellano, Met is considered as an Art Deco construction. Art Deco, a popular design movement from 1920 to 1939 is a mélange of various styles in the early 20th century such as Art Nouveau, Bauhaus and Futurism.
Considered as a form of neo-classical structure with an application of exotic ornaments arranged in geometric patterns, Art Deco buildings embraced modernity during the time of their establishment.
The façade of Met boasts of a symmetric geometrical outline evident in most Art Deco buildings. At the same time, circular shapes forming a vertical pattern give dynamics to the structure’s outer wall even as the tiles adorning the façade exhibit rhythmic floral geometrical patterns that grant a dramatic aura to Met.
The curve and zigzag details surrounding edifice lend Met a theatrical atmosphere that played a significant role to visitors who used to watch plays, zarzuelas and vaudevilles in the theater.
Ornaments are striking characteristics of an Art Deco building. In Met, one outstanding embellishment is the Siamese Dancer, a statue created by Italian sculpture Francesco Riccardo Monti.
The move of Manila city Mayor Alfredo Lim to restore Met as a venue for zarzuelas, plays and vaudevilles is a daring act that would enrich the Filipinos’ awareness about our country’s culture.
Theater at most times caters only the elite class of the society. But Lim’s proposal of restoring Met, comes with an aim of creating a socio-cultural avenue for the Filipino masses who do not have enough money to watch expensive plays and performances at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. - ANA MAE ROA
Photograph Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manila_Metropolitan_Theater
Theater at most times caters only the elite class of the society. But Lim’s proposal of restoring Met, comes with an aim of creating a socio-cultural avenue for the Filipino masses who do not have enough money to watch expensive plays and performances at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. - ANA MAE ROA
Photograph Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manila_Metropolitan_Theater
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