Spanish Baroque Theater: Formation, Structure, and Social Function
Formation of Spanish Baroque Comedy
In the realm of Spanish Baroque theater, the term plays referred to performances in public spaces, encompassing comedies, tragi-comedies, and dramas, excluding pure tragedies. The play, in this context, adheres to a formula established by Lope de Vega in the late 16th century.
Lope de Vega’s significant contribution was the integration of various elements into his plays, including:
- Introduction of lyrical elements
- Complex and intertwined plots
- Interpolation of comic scenes
- Inspiration from national legends and ballads
Lope’s unique fusion of these elements resulted in a New Art of Doing Comedy, as he defended his system against proponents of classical theater. This innovative approach influenced numerous playwrights throughout the century.
The Structure of the Play
Rejecting classical precepts and embracing a natural style, Lope de Vega shaped the structure of Spanish Baroque comedy:
a) Three “Days” or Acts
The play’s division into three acts mirrored the fundamental parts of the action: beginning, middle, and outcome. However, the plot often unfolded rapidly, with the “knot” dominating the play and the author prioritizing the element of suspense.
b) Varied and Dynamic Action
Disregarding the classical unity of action, Spanish Baroque comedy featured at least two parallel actions: one involving high-ranking characters and another focusing on servants or commoners. This diversity in action captivated the audience.
c) Disregard for Units of Time and Place
The play could span years and unfold across various locations. The stage’s simplicity facilitated abrupt changes, creating a dynamic and varied experience akin to film sequences.
d) Mixture of Tragic and Comic
Lope de Vega justified the blending of tragic and comic elements, citing their natural coexistence in reality and life.
e) Variety of Style
In the spirit of naturalness, poetic decorum was not strictly adhered to. Characters’ language varied according to their social standing, reflecting the diversity of society.
f) Diverse Verses and Stanzas
Spanish Baroque comedy was written in verse, employing a variety of meters to suit different scenes. For instance, romances were favored for narratives, sonnets for soliloquies, and redondillas for serious dialogues.
g) Lyrical Elements
Traditional songs and dances were interspersed throughout the plays, providing entertainment and sometimes integral to the plot.
Characters
Spanish Baroque comedy featured a recurring cast of characters, including:
- An old man (father, guardian, or authority figure)
- A lover and his lady
- A gracioso (funny man) and a maid
These characters underwent variations, with multiple suitors or protagonists appearing in some plays.
Psychology of Characters
Character psychology was not deeply explored, as playwrights prioritized action over introspection. However, the characters possessed vitality and exuberance.
The Galán and the Gracioso
The galán (gentleman) was typically an aristocrat or soldier, embodying idealized qualities like bravery and idealism. In contrast, the gracioso (funny man) served as his foil, characterized by realism, cynicism, and a practical outlook.
The Lady and Her Maid
The lady’s maid, often her confidante, provided a realistic perspective, contrasting with the lady’s refined and sentimental nature. The relationship between the maid and the gracioso mirrored the dynamic between the galán and the gracioso, highlighting the play’s double level of comedy.
Social Function of Drama in the 17th Century
Spanish Baroque comedy served as a form of escapism and a tool for reinforcing societal values:
An Art of Evasion
The theater provided an escape from daily concerns, offering relief and entertainment.
Exaltation of “National” Values
The plays promoted traditional values, including religious, monarchist, and aristocratic ideals. They reinforced social hierarchies and celebrated the nobility as the embodiment of virtue.
Themes of Honor and Purity of Blood
Honor and purity of blood were recurring themes, reflecting the social concerns of the time.
The Peasant with Honor
The peasant character, often depicted as wealthy and of pure blood, represented a natural nobility of soul.
A “Popular” Theater?
While entertaining a wide audience, Spanish Baroque comedy primarily served the interests of the ruling class, upholding the established social order.
Literary Values of Comedy
Spanish Baroque comedy excelled as a theatrical art form, showcasing masterful stagecraft and dramatic tension in its serious themes.
Core Authors of Spanish Baroque Theater
a) Lope de Vega and Contemporaries
- Guillén de Castro (Las Mocedades del Cid)
- Tirso de Molina (The Trickster of Seville, The Condemned for Diffidence)
- Juan Ruiz de Alarcón (The Truth Suspected)
- Mira de Amescua (The Devil’s Slave)
- Vélez de Guevara (La Serrana de la Vera)
b) Calderón de la Barca and Contemporaries
- Francisco de Rojas Zorrilla (Del Rey abajo, ninguno)
- Agustín Moreto (El desdén con el desdén)