Since the time of the Greeks, theater has reached into the hidden depths of the soul and unlocked hidden treasures deep within the human spirit. The power of the theater has allowed new channels of dialogue to open up between cultures, creeds, and colors. It has become an instrument by which man can spread love and peace.

There are a number of stories on the origins of the theater but one of the most stimulating tells of a group of men gathered together in a quarry to warm themselves around a fire and tell stories. One of them decided to stand up and use his shadow to demonstrate his tale. Using the light from the flames, he made characters appear on the walls of the quarry. The light of projectors and cameras have since replaced the original bonfire, and the stage, the walls of the quarry.

In the over three centuries of Spanish colonial rule, there were religious dramas, plays known as the komedya, and light musicals known as the sarswela. In the over four decades of American rule and beyond, American ideals and the English language were introduced through a nationwide educational system, then later through the print and broadcast media and films. The new culture would have an indelible effect on the Philippine stage, with the bodabil, which comes from the word, vaudeville, a show made up of assorted entertainment that included song and the dance numbers, magic, skits, chorus girls, and comedians.

The special role of theater in the lives of people is celebrated on World Theater Day which falls on March 27 each year. It is an opportunity for all those involved and interested in theater to promote the theater as a uniting element as it bears great witness to the issues of the times, and communicates the message of the magical world of theater.