In Aristotle’s Poetics, ‘tragedy’ is divided into six elements.
PLOT
I suppose the musical Antigong Agong has a well-organzized plot. For one, unity of the plot was sustained. Evidently, the plot progressed from beginning to end in accordance with a structured series of probable events, or probable improbable events.
The plot of Antigong Agong follows Freytag’s triangle.
Introduction. At the beginning of the show or of the performance, the characters were being introduced.
Rising Action. The is the part where the conflict regarding the dowry is brought up.
Climax. The part where Samsullah and his friends were on their way to Bundok Daghu, in search of the ‘antigong agong’, until the part where the flashback started.
Falling Action. The part where they’ve already uncovered the history of their land (the massacre that took place 100 years ago).
Resolution. Realizations were revealed. Also, this is the part where Samsullah received the scholarship and the dowry problem has already been worked out.
CHARACTER
In Aristotle’s Poetics, he mentioned four points. First is that the so-called hero should be good or ought to be portrayed as good. In Antigong Agong, Samsullah shows this kind of character. Next, the actors must be appropriate enough for their characters. In the musical, the characters in the story are Tausugs then it is just proper that they get Tausug actors as well to portray for the characters. Third, actors should appear to be real. In Antigong Agong, I’ll give credits to the actors for making the musical close-to-reality. They should appear real since they could easily relate to the story and to their lines since they’re as well Tausugs. Lastly, the performers should be consistent all throughout the show. And even if they become inconsistent, then they should be inconsistent all throughout the show, which Aristotle calls ‘consistently inconsistent.’ The actors in Antigong Agong were acceptably consistent with their roles.
DICTION
Since the performers were Tausugs in reality, they would surely seem realistic when they talk. But even if they speak somehow differently compared to most of the audience, however, the audience still did not have a hard time following the lines of the actors and actresses.
THOUGHT
Perhaps what the playwright wanted the audience to think about or dwell on after every line of the whole play, were somehow what the audience really thought of. Since the play isn’t the so abstract, the audience understood the lines and as well interpreted or figured out the right way.
SPECTACLE
The stage set or design, props, and costumes of the actors or actresses went well among each of the three elements. Or let’s put it this way, the three elements were all in harmony among each of them.
M ELODY
Different sorts of instruments were used in the play. From native to the contemporary ones. Also, the songs were notable; catchy and easy to comprehend. All in all, the music, songs, effects were enough to make the story more interesting. Also, the ‘Melody’ played a role in making the audience understand more the story.
