Spanish Literature After Franco: Novel, Poetry, and Theater
Spanish Literature After Franco
1. Introduction
With the death of Franco and the advent of democracy, life in Spain changed dramatically. This transformation led to increased freedoms, cultural and economic alignment with the rest of Europe, and the ability to acquire major mass media groups. In this context, Spanish literature continued its evolution, moving away from experimentalism and embracing more traditional forms.
2. The Novel from the Last Third of the 20th Century
The Spanish novel quickly found a way out of the dominant experimental narrative of the late 1960s. The publication of The Truth About the Savolta Case by Eduardo Mendoza in 1975 marked a turning point. Authors of the Generation of 68, tired of experimental narratives, embraced this change. The essential features of this new narrative include:
- Interest in storytelling
- Proliferation of titles
- Increasing number of writers
- Connection between literary and journalistic work
- Growing appreciation for the short story
The main trends and tendencies of the novel since 1975 are:
2.1 Detective or Intrigue Novel
Influenced by film noir and American thrillers, this genre saw a surge in popularity. Notable authors include:
- Manuel Vázquez Montalbán with works like Galíndez, Murder in the Central Committee, The Birds of Bangkok, and The Southern Seas.
- Antonio Muñoz Molina with Winter in Lisbon and Full Moon.
- José María Guelbenzu with Don’t Harass the Murderer.
- Alicia Giménez Bartlett with Rites of Death.
Other novels incorporate detective elements without strictly belonging to the genre, such as Vision of the Drowned by Juan José Millás and It’s Night by Soledad Puértolas. Some stories blend intrigue with parody, like The Mystery of the Haunted Crypt by Eduardo Mendoza.
2.2 Historical Novel
One of the most successful genres from the 1980s onwards, it encompasses novels set in the past, with varying degrees of realism. Notable titles include:
- Captain Alatriste by Arturo Pérez-Reverte
- The Old Siren by José Luis Sampedro
- Masks of the Hero by Juan Manuel de Prada
This trend also includes stories about the Spanish Civil War, such as:
- Wolf Moon by Julio Llamazares
- Beatus Ille by Antonio Muñoz Molina
- Soldiers of Salamis by Javier Cercas
- The Blind Sunflowers by Alberto Méndez
2.3 Metafiction or Novels About Writing Novels
These novels focus on the process of literary creation, often featuring a writer as the protagonist. Examples include Grammar Brown by Juan García Hortelano and many of the narratives of Enrique Vila-Matas.
2.4 Intimate Novel
These novels are narrated by middle-aged individuals who grapple with personal problems like love, loneliness, memory, identity, and lack of communication. Examples include:
- The Disorder of Your Name and Solitude Was This by Juan José Millás
- Games of the Late Age by Luis Landero
- All Souls and A Heart So White by Javier Marías
- It’s Night by Soledad Puértolas
- Against Death and Love by Marina Mayoral
2.5 Testimonial Novel
Authors in this trend construct realistic stories about social problems. Examples include:
- I Treat Her Like a Queen by Rosa Montero (defense of women’s status)
- Stories of the Kronen by José Ángel Mañas (life of young people)
- The Fountain of Age by Luis Mateo Díez
- Diary of a Retiree by Miguel Delibes
2.6 Experimental Novel
Few titles fall under this category. Perhaps the most important is The School of Mandarins by Miguel Espinosa, which uses experimental techniques to offer a critical vision of contemporary reality.
3. Poetry from the Last Third of the 20th Century
Around 1980, a new generation of poets emerged, born between 1954 and 1968. They were presented to the public in 1992 by Luis Antonio de Villena in his anthology Postnovísimos. This period is characterized by plurality and the coexistence of multiple trends.
3.1 Culturalist Poetry
This trend continues the path started by the Novísimos, with metapoetry, aestheticism, and culturalism (frequent cultural references) as its main features. Notable poets include Genaro Talens, Guillermo Carnero, Leopoldo María Panero, and Luis Antonio de Villena.
3.2 Classical Poetry
Characterized by its proximity to the classical world, this poetry explores themes like death, the passage of time, and the survival of beauty. Antonio Colinas (Astrolabe, Garden of Orpheus) and Luis Alberto de Cuenca are prominent representatives.
3.3 Poetry Written by Women (Erotic Poetry)
Women writers of this period embraced a wider range of themes, addressing social issues and proposing new approaches to erotic relationships, challenging traditional roles. Notable poets include:
- Ana Rossetti (The Ravings of Erato)
- Blanca Andreu (From a Girl from the Provinces Who Came to Live in a Chagall)
- Aurora Luque
- Luisa Castro
3.4 Poetry of Silence
Influenced by pure poetry and existentialism, this trend questions the ability of language to convey the true nature of things. José Ángel Valente is a key figure, particularly in his later works like Mandorla and The Gleam. Other authors include:
- Jaime Siles (Allegory, Water Music)
- Andrés Sánchez Robayna (Weather, The Rock)
- Antonio Gamoneda (This Light)
3.5 Poetry of Experience
Building on the poetry of the 1960s, this trend explores everyday events, urban reality, intimacy, and the passage of time. Reflection on life is infused with emotion, and the presence of narrative elements often leads to narrative poems. Poets strive to convey their emotions to the reader and be understood. Prominent authors include:
- Luis García Montero (Rhymed City, Completely Separate Rooms, Friday)
- Jon Juaristi (Diary of a Barely Tired Poet, Time Living Landscapes, Bleak)
- Miguel d’Ors (It’s Blue Sky, The Image of His Face)
4. Theater Since the Last Third of the 20th Century
4.1 Introduction
The profound transformation of the European theater scene after World War II reached Spain in the early 1970s, despite censorship. However, it was not until 1975 that innovations in content and dramatic techniques fully emerged. Fundamental changes after the Franco dictatorship include:
- Emergence of diverse discussion forums: Theater lost its overtly political character.
- Creation of the National Classical Theatre Company (1983): Led by Adolfo Marsillach, it ensured the staging of classic works from Spanish and Greco-Roman traditions.
- Consolidation of independent theaters: Companies from the 1960s and 1970s became established, catering to niche audiences and driving innovation.
- Proliferation of amateur companies: These spread theater throughout the country, expanding its reach and audience.
- Recovery of censored classics and authors: Works by authors like García Lorca (The Public) and Valle-Inclán (Voices of Gestation) were reassessed, along with those of previously banned playwrights like Alberti, Arrabal, and José Martín Recuerda.
- Success of musicals: This genre gained popularity, with original productions like Today I Can’t Get Up and adaptations of film hits like Jesus Christ Superstar and Grease.
4.2 Representative Authors
4.2.1 José Sanchis Sinisterra
Known for his meticulous staging and ability to blend historical reflection with humor. Notable works include Terror and Misery in the First Francoism and his most representative play, Ay, Carmela!
4.2.2 José Luis Alonso de Santos
His first play was Viva el Duque, Nuestro Dueño!, but his success came with his comedies of manners, starting with The Tobacconist of Vallecas, based on a true story. In Get Off the Moor, he explores the problems of young people in the 1980s.
4.2.3 Fermín Cabal
His works offer a critique of courtly manners. Notable plays include Damselflies and Tonight, Great Night.
4.2.4 Fernando Fernán Gómez
A writer, actor, and director for both film and theater, he was a member of the Royal Spanish Academy. His most important work is Bicycles Are for Summer, which depicts the profound impact of the Spanish Civil War on a humble family in Madrid.
4.3 Independent Theater Companies
Independent theater companies emerged during the late Franco regime and remain at the forefront of research and experimentation. While they have generally become more established, they continue to push boundaries. Some of the most prominent companies still active today include:
- Els Comediants
- La Fura dels Baus
- Els Joglars
- La Cuadra
- Dagoll Dagom