National Artist for Theater Amelia Lapeña-Bonifacio dies

National Artist for Theater Amelia Lapeña-Bonifacio died on Tuesday, December 29. She was 90 years old.

The news of her death was confirmed by the Teatrong Mulat ng Pilipinas, where she was the founding artistic director.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of National Artist Amelia Lapeña-Bonifacio, University of the Philippines Professor Emeritus and Founding Artistic Director of Teatrong Mulat ng Pilipinas at 7 AM today, December 29, 2020 at the age of 90,” the company announced.

Details of the wake have yet to be announced.

Before her death, Bonifacio was a professor and a member of the Board Advisors of the University of the Philippines’ College of Arts and Letters– Institute of Creative Writing.

Bonifacio is often called the “Grande Dame of Southeast Asian Children’s Theater,” for her contribution to children’s theater. According to her profile at the University of the Philippines website, she has written 10 books, 16 plays, 30 children’s plays, and more than 130 short stories for children. She has also written several poems and essays.

Bonifacio also established the UP Teatrong Mulat ng Pilipinas, a children’s and puppet theater company, where she served as a playwright, puppet-maker, and artistic director.

She has received several awards including the City of Manila Outstanding Citizen Award in 2017 and the Quezon City Most Outstanding Citizen Award in 2013.

In 2018,  Bonifacio was among those named as National Artist by President Rodrigo Duterte in recognition for their contribution to the country’s culture and the arts sector.  – Rappler.com