Contemporary Spanish Poetry and Theater: Key Movements
Poetry of the Generation of ’68: The Novísimos
In the mid-1960s, a youth group emerged with the aim of innovating the world of poetry, characterized by aestheticism and culturalism. The publication in 1970 of the anthology Novísimos Spanish Poetry by José María Castellet confirmed a new poetic group proposing a change in the aesthetic trends of the moment. The main characteristic of this group, born after the Civil War, is a clear break with previous traditions. Other features include:
- Rejection of previous generations and mass media training.
- Extensive cultural training, reflected in their poems, leading to ‘culturalism’.
- Influence of foreign literature.
- Experimentation in style: surrealist techniques, syntactic play, etc.
- Themes often express dissatisfaction, adopting a sarcastic attitude. Topics are varied, with culturalism being essential.
The Novísimos proposed regenerating literary paths for young poets.
Poets of the Seventies: Evolving Spanish Lyric
Since the 1970s, greater variety can be observed in Spanish lyric poetry. Poets who began the decade were initially influenced by the Novísimos, but their style soon evolved. Most adhered to some of these trends:
- Experimental: Based on avant-garde techniques.
- Cultural: Influenced by the classical Greco-Roman world, showcasing vast cultural knowledge.
- Classicism: Influence of Renaissance authors (e.g., Jaime Siles).
- Minimalism & Conceptualism: Suggestive features, using silence to convey meaning, absence of ornamentation, anti-rhetoric.
- Metapoetry: Reflection on the value of words and the meaning of poetry.
Poetry of Experience: The 1980s and Beyond
During the 1980s, a new poetic sensibility slowly emerged, characterized by:
- Explicit influence from certain poets preceding the Novísimos.
- Return to traditional metrics, using classic stanzas and verses.
- Reintroduction of humor, pastiche, or parody.
- Emphasis on the intimate and individual. Poets express personal experiences relatable to readers, fostering mutual sensitivity. This is often termed ‘poetry of experience‘, characterized by urban, realistic themes, gentle intimacy, interest in the everyday, and a conversational tone.
Spanish Theater: 1960s-1970s Experimentalism
During this period, commercial theater, represented by figures like Alfonso Paso, coexisted with another form of drama. This alternative theater was distinguished by its successful embrace of realism and the search for new dramatic forms. The content often remained critical, and authors faced dual difficulties in representation: thematic critique and formal audacity. Key figures of this experimental period include Fernando Arrabal, Francisco Nieva, and Antonio Gala.
Theater in Democratic Spain: Recent Decades
Democracy ended censorship and brought a cautious official push for theater. The recent stage is characterized by a variety of trends, though common features can be established:
- Evolution from author-centric theater to director-centric, with directors gaining greater creative power.
- A boom in classical theater, reinterpreted with fresh perspectives.
- Recovery of forgotten authors.
- Growth of independent theater, sometimes transitioning to official stages.
- Emergence of alternative theater in small venues, taking formal and thematic risks.
Francisco Nieva developed a surreal and imaginative theater, emphasizing scenic elements. Conversely, some writers, like Fernando Fernán Gómez, maintained a traditional approach, appealing to public favor. A new generation of authors, born in the 1940s and active in theater, emerged during democracy.