Roman Theater: Tragedy and Comedy in Ancient Rome
General Features of Roman Theater
For the Romans, theatrical representations, known as ludi scaenici (stage games), were always related to a deity, blending religious and festive elements.
The Development of Drama
From 240 BC, plays were established in Rome and performed between spring and autumn. Five types of ludi (games) existed: Megalenses, Floral, Apollinares, Magni, and Plebeii. Pompey opened the first permanent theater in Rome, but information about the specific plays performed is limited.
Read MoreSpanish Literature: Medieval Period to Baroque Era
Spanish Literature: From the Medieval Period to the Baroque Era
Cantigas and Mester de Juglaría
Cantigas “de amigo”: A woman laments the absence of her beloved. Cantigas “de escarnio”: Satirical poems that poke fun at a particular character.
Mester de Juglaría: A form of literature disseminated orally by *juglares*, entertainers who amused audiences with their performances. Troubadours were key figures, spreading epic poems—long narratives composed of irregular lines, recounting the heroic deeds
Read MorePost-War Catalan Literature: Key Authors and Themes
Notable Authors
Pere Calders (Post-War Fiction)
In 1936, Pere Calders published his first collection of stories, The First Harlequin. Characteristic of his work is the interplay between reality and the supernatural or magic, often employing humor and irony. Notable works include Units Shock Tomorrow at Three O’Clock in the Morning and Here Lies Nevares.
Pere Quart (Post-War Poetry)
Pere Quart began his career with satirical works and participated in the avant-garde movement. He published his first collection
Read MoreGeneration of ’27: Spanish Literary Movement & Lorca’s Poetry
The Generation of ’27
The Generation of ’27 was a constellation of writers who emerged in Spain around the year 1927, the tercentenary of the death of the Baroque poet Luis de Góngora. Their aesthetic attempted to find common elements between popular culture and Spanish literary and aesthetic avant-gardes. This movement evolved from pure poetry to human engagement, which resulted in the revelation of Surrealism and even political compromise. The group dispersed after the majority went into exile
Read MoreGreek Tragedy and Comedy: Origins and Structure
Origins of Greek Theater
Aristotle, in his Poetics, indicates that tragedy originated with the soloists of the dithyramb. He also mentions a second source: early tragedies, with their humorous language and short plots, evolved from the satyr play. The word “tragedy” has been interpreted as “goat song.” Thespis is often considered the creator of tragedy. Aristotle attributes the origin of comedy to those who sang phallic songs, and explains the name “comedy” as deriving from “revelry song,” though
Read MoreToledo’s School of Translators & Alfonso X’s Legacy
The School of Translators of Toledo
The School of Translators of Toledo was established around the 12th century. It brought together Arab, Christian, and Jewish scholars to translate significant works from other cultures into Latin and then into Romance languages. Under the reign of Alfonso X, the court of Toledo became a hub for the most talented scholars in Europe.
Rigorous Translation Methods
These scholars employed a meticulous method:
- Compilation: Searching for and gathering materials containing