Spanish Baroque Theater: History, Characteristics, and Key Elements
Spanish Baroque Theater: History and Evolution
The roots of theater trace back to ancient Greece in the 5th and 6th centuries BC, with performances held in outdoor public theaters. Prominent Greek playwrights include Sophocles, known for tragedies like *Oedipus Rex* and *Antigone*, and Aristophanes, famed for his political comedies. The influential philosopher Aristotle, in his *Poetics*, analyzed both tragedy (set in the distant past) and comedy. He established key principles for tragedy: a five-act structure, verse composition, and adherence to the three unities of time (24 hours), place (a single location), and action (one main plot). Tragedies typically featured heroes, gods, and demi-gods, grappling with profound themes of life, love, honor, revenge, power, and death, often culminating in a tragic end.
Roman Theater (BC – AD)
The Romans, renowned for their theater construction, primarily focused on comedy. A notable Roman playwright was Plautus, known for works like *Miles Gloriosus*. Roman comedy, often referred to as “comedy of manners,” was set in the contemporary present and featured middle-class characters, typically divided into masters and servants. The clever and loyal servant often played a crucial role in ensuring a happy ending, with plots frequently revolving around love.
Medieval Theater
During the Middle Ages, theater almost disappeared. Performances were primarily held in village squares by traveling companies. These companies lacked formal guidelines or written texts, relying heavily on improvisation.
Renaissance Theater (16th Century)
The Renaissance saw a revival of classical theater. Ancient Greek and Latin texts were translated into modern languages like Italian, English, and Spanish. Two prominent models emerged: the English theater, exemplified by Shakespeare’s plays, and the Spanish theater.
Key Features of the New Spanish Comedy
In 1590, Lope de Vega, in his treatise *New Art of Writing Plays*, outlined the defining characteristics of the new Spanish comedy:
- Three-Act Structure: Plays were divided into a beginning, middle, and end.
- Verse Composition: Works were written in verse.
- Unity of Action: The three unities were still observed.
- Appropriate Language: Language was tailored to the characters and situations.
- Music and Songs: Inclusion of popular songs and dances.
- The “Gracioso”: Introduction of a comic character, the “gracioso” or fool.
- Dramatic Tension: Use of techniques to create suspense and delay.
- Climactic Scenes: Each act or scene ended with a moment of high tension.
- Happy Endings: Restoration of order and morality.
- Mixing Genres: A blend of tragic and comic elements.
Spanish Baroque Theater in the 17th Century
Spanish Baroque theater enjoyed immense popularity. Initially performed on temporary stages, performances eventually moved to courtyards known as “corrales.” By the 1570s, permanent theater companies were established, and the first theaters dedicated solely to drama were built. These theaters, called “corrales de comedias,” included prominent venues like the Corral de la Cruz, the Corral del Príncipe, and the Corral de Pacheco.
Structure of the “Corrales”
The “corrales” were typically rectangular, open-air spaces. The stage was located at the far end, often featuring windows but no doors. The audience area, or “patio,” was where men stood, often engaging in lively behavior. Women were seated in separate areas. Seating arrangements were based on social class. Monks were forbidden from attending, as theater was deemed immoral.
Functions and Regulations of Theater
Theater served both as entertainment and a social gathering. It eventually became a lucrative business, with the Madrid government sometimes imposing fines for unauthorized performances or staging forbidden works. In the early 17th century, regulations were established for theater companies, outlining standards, prohibitions, and operating days. Performances were typically held on Sundays and holidays but could also occur on other days. Performances took advantage of sunlight.
In the mid-17th century, under the influence of Calderón de la Barca, stage design and decoration became more elaborate, drawing inspiration from Italian theater.
Actors and Actresses
Actors and actresses in Spanish Baroque theater were expected to be versatile, skilled in dancing, singing, and expressive acting. They were often perceived as leading dissolute lives. A typical company consisted of around 15 actors, including an “old man” (“barba”), a “gallant” (“galán”), a “comic” (“gracioso”), “women” (“damas”), “female servants” (“criadas”), and “older women” (“dueñas”). The playwright, known as the “autor,” sold the performance rights to a company director (“autor de comedias”), who then held the rights to the play.
Themes and Genres of Spanish Baroque Theater
Themes
- Honor
- Love
- Conflict between Honor and Love
Theatrical Genres
- Comedies
- Mythological Comedies
- Historical Dramas
- Philosophical Dramas
- Religious Plays (Autos Sacramentales)