Jardiel Poncela’s Theater: Context, Humor, and Characters
Historical and Theatrical Context
This play premiered in 1940, a turbulent period both socially and politically in Spain, immediately following the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). The initial phase of General Franco’s dictatorship was characterized by autarky and coincided with the outbreak of World War II in Europe.
Enrique Jardiel Poncela: A Visionary Playwright
Enrique Jardiel Poncela (Madrid, October 15, 1901 – February 18, 1952) was a distinguished Spanish writer and playwright. His work is often associated with the Theater of the Absurd, characterized by a departure from traditional humor towards a more intellectual, improbable, and illogical approach. This style broke with the prevailing naturalism in Spanish theater of the era, leading to significant criticism from many contemporaries. While challenging more sensitive sensibilities, his innovative approach opened up a range of new comic possibilities that were not always well understood at the time. He also faced subsequent issues with Francoist censorship.
Despite initial resistance, his stature has grown over the years. His works are still performed today, and numerous films have been based on them. Jardiel Poncela died of cancer at the age of 50, impoverished and largely forgotten, but his legacy endures.
Key Characters
Minor Characters
- Leoncio:
- He is amazed by the pervasive madness and is easily startled, yet he does not abandon his efforts with ease.
- Fermín:
- Having spent considerable time working in the madhouse, he has been affected by the madness himself. He easily gives up on his goals when faced with obstacles.
- Praxedes:
- A very manic and talkative girl who, like Fermín, has been influenced by the madness prevalent in the house where she works.
Main Characters
- Mariana:
- A girl whose unusual nature is understandable given her family background. She is a dreamer who always wants to know everything that happens at every moment. Very impulsive, she doesn’t think twice before acting.
- Clotilde:
- A woman who enjoys laughing at people and making jokes about everything she sees or hears. She always speaks her mind and, like Mariana, is very impulsive in her actions. She believes that everything happening around her is the product of madness, failing to realize that she is often the first to act mad.
- Micaela:
- The most obsessive and maniacal of all, she has no qualms about achieving her goals by force. She is the craziest in the house, though it’s not always apparent, and is very suspicious, except with her two dogs, Cain and Abel.
- Fernando:
- Very dreamy and unsure of himself, his uncertainty largely stems from his girlfriend Mariana’s attitude. He has many obsessions and internal struggles, yet never loses hope of achieving his objectives.
- Ezequiel:
- An uncomplicated man, very sure of himself, who lives life to enjoy it, not to worry. He trivializes things whenever possible and never gives up his stubbornness.
- Edgardo:
- Believes that the solution to all problems lies in resignation, leading him to retreat from the world by staying in bed. He makes radical decisions but always thinks carefully before taking the plunge.
- Julia:
- Very traditional and indecisive, yet also amorous. She doesn’t value what she has and often feels unheard.
- Luisote:
- Very smart and eager, he tries to show off to others to demonstrate his knowledge.