Post-Civil War Spanish Theater (1939-1975): A Comprehensive Overview
Post-Civil War Spanish Theater (1939-1975)
1. Theater in Exile
The Spanish Civil War forced many playwrights into exile, where they continued their work. Notable figures include:
- Rafael Alberti: Known for plays like From Time to Time and Night of War in the Prado Museum, Alberti explored themes of war and its aftermath.
- Max Aub: Aub’s realist works, such as San Juan, dealt with the consequences of war and the experience of exile.
- Alejandro Casona: Casona’s plays, like The Lady of Alba, offered escapism from the social and political turmoil of the time.
2. Post-War Theater (1940s)
Strict censorship during this period led to a predominance of bourgeois drama and high comedy. Playwrights like Jacinto Benavente and Jardiel Poncela focused on entertainment and traditional values. Key characteristics include:
- Emphasis on entertainment and happy endings
- Defense of traditional values
- Exploration of love conflicts and everyday life
- Introduction of poetic absurdity and humor
Notable playwrights and works:
- Jardiel Poncela: Known for his innovative comedies like Four Hearts with Brake and Reverse and Eloísa is Under an Almond Tree.
- Miguel Mihura: His plays, such as Three Top Hats and Maribel and Her Strange Family, often featured elements of fantasy and humor.
- Joaquín Calvo Sotelo: Author of plays like A Girl from Valladolid and History of a House.
- Juan Ignacio Luca de Tena: His works, including Where Are You Going, Alfonso XII?, were often adapted for film.
3. Theater in the 1950s
The 1950s saw the rise of “social drama,” a realist movement that aimed to reflect contemporary realities and social issues. Key features include:
- Renewal of theatrical language
- Social commentary and commitment to the marginalized
- Exploration of human agency and the possibility of change
Prominent playwrights and works:
- Antonio Buero Vallejo: Known for his blend of realism and symbolism in plays like Story of a Staircase, In the Burning Darkness, and The Concert of San Ovidio.
- Alfonso Sastre: His critical and politically charged works, such as Death Squad and The Condemned Squad, challenged the Francoist regime.
- Lauro Olmo and José Martín Recuerda: Other notable playwrights of the social drama movement.
4. Theater in the 1960s
The 1960s brought a gradual relaxation of censorship and the influence of European theatrical trends. Key features include:
- Integration of techniques from other art forms like dance and music
- Breaking down the barrier between actors and audience
- Focus on reflection and audience engagement
Important playwrights and works:
- Francisco Nieva: Associated with the Theater of the Absurd, Nieva’s plays, such as The Hairy Tempest and The Damned Crowned, explored themes of repression, eroticism, and social critique.
- Fernando Arrabal: A pioneer of the “Panic Theater” movement, Arrabal’s works, like The Automobile Graveyard and Picnic on the Battlefield, blended humor, horror, and surrealism.
The late 1960s also saw the emergence of independent theater groups like Els Comediants and La Fura dels Baus, who experimented with street theater and spectacle.
5. Theater in the 1970s
The 1970s marked a period of transition and innovation in Spanish theater. Established playwrights like Buero Vallejo, Sastre, Nieva, and Arrabal continued to write, while new voices like Fernando Fernán Gómez, Antonio Gala, and José Luis Alonso de Santos emerged. The theater scene became increasingly diverse and experimental, reflecting the changing social and political landscape of Spain.