20th-Century Spanish Theater: From Civil War to Modern Trends
20th-Century Spanish Theater
Introduction
During the Spanish Civil War, theater became a tool for political propaganda, used by both the Falange and guerrilla groups. Heroic and patriotic dramas were popular, alongside high comedy, drama, and musical revues. The early works of Antonio Buero Vallejo and Alfonso Sastre introduced existential and social themes, along with a more refined theatrical language. These playwrights were followed by others who navigated censorship, some facing outright bans.
With the democratic transition, the Spanish theatrical landscape began to transform.
Theater of Consumption
The Fifties: “High” Comedy
This period saw the rise of bourgeois drama, focusing on themes typical of bourgeois comedy. Prominent authors included José María Pemán, Joaquín Calvo Sotelo, and Alfonso Paso.
In the sixties, playwrights like Jaime de Armiñán continued this tradition.
Comedy
Two standout figures emerged: Enrique Jardiel Poncela and Miguel Mihura. These innovators of humor anticipated the Theater of the Absurd.
Enrique Jardiel Poncela, known for A Sleepless Spring, wrote twenty humorous plays. His best-known work is The Thieves Are Honest People.
Miguel Mihura, director and writer for humor magazines (most notably, La Codorniz), achieved recognition with Three Top Hats.
Renewal Attempts
Alongside Art Nouveau, groups like the TEU (Teatro Español Universitario), the GTR (Grupo de Teatro Realista), and the Little Theatre Dido emerged. However, they faced financial challenges and censorship, ultimately failing.
The Lope de Vega Prize was revived and awarded to Antonio Buero Vallejo for History of a Staircase.
The Realistic Drama of Antonio Buero Vallejo
History of a Staircase, Buero Vallejo’s debut, employs a dramatic structure bordering on farce. It explores the hopes and frustrations of a changing society.
His work can be divided into three stages:
- Realistic Stage: Set in real-time with realistic staging, History of a Staircase exemplifies this period.
- Historical Reflection: Buero Vallejo explored historical subjects to reflect on the present, a technique known as possibilism. Las Meninas is a key work from this stage.
- Final Stage: Marked by a subjective viewpoint, this period features The Sleep of Reason. His work consistently sought profound truth, believing freedom comes from understanding it.
The Realistic Drama of the Sixties
Playwrights like José María Rodríguez Méndez, Lauro Olmo, Carlos Muñiz, and Antonio Gala followed the path of Buero Vallejo and Alfonso Sastre, developing a realistic-naturalistic drama that evolved into new aesthetic directions, including grotesque charade and farce.
These authors favored social themes, using direct and unflinching language. Their plays often featured a tone of despair, portraying protagonists as victims of an alienating society.
The Theater of Protest and Complaint: Alfonso Sastre
Also known as underground theater, this movement was led by Alfonso Sastre, who continually explored dramatic theory and practice. He advocated for renewing dramatic forms and finding methods for revolutionary social change.
His work progressed from existentialism to social engagement, encompassing three phases:
- First Phase: Metaphysical theater of existential anxiety, exemplified by The Sleepwalking Comedy.
- Second Phase: Theater of social criticism, or “dramas of the revolution,” with Death Squad as a key work.
- Third Phase: “Complex tragedy,” a syncretic form blending grotesque elements and objectivist detachment. Roman Chronicles is a prominent example.
Beyond Realism: The Theater of the Sixties and Seventies
During this period, several playwrights moved away from realism while addressing similar themes. Common characteristics included:
- Replacing the individual character with symbolic figures.
- Symbolic action and language.
- Fragmented action.
- Experimental and collective theater.
- Diminished importance of text.
- Focus on grotesque and satirical farce.
Key figures included Fernando Arrabal, Francisco Nieva, and José Ruibal. They helped popularize contemporary European theater.
Latest Trends
We will meet over the years with a variety of trends. Here are some of the most significant:
a. Avant-garde art works which continue the experiments of the previous period. This trend highlights Nieva, Arrabal and the Independent Theatre Groups.
b. Works of art and realistic guidance. We, on the one hand, works of historical theme that highlights Sanchís Sinisterra and critical content, which highlights Fermín Cabal, and Alonso de Santos is a master of comedy of manners,
c. And we are expecting new works by already established authors who have been adapting to new trends and new problems in our society.