Spanish Golden Age Theatre: Characteristics and Conventions

Posted on Oct 17, 2024 in Music

1. Spanish Golden Age Theatre

1.2. Dramatic Structure

Plays are typically divided into three acts, a structure established in the late sixteenth century. The plot unfolds throughout the play: the first act introduces the situation and characters, the second act develops the conflict, and the third act provides the resolution. Playwrights often strive for a dynamic pace, particularly in the first act.

1.3. Versification and Language

Plays are written in verse, utilizing a variety of meters and stanzas (e.g., quatrains, romances, tenths, limericks, silvas, sonnets, octaves) to suit the dramatic situation. The language aims to combine aesthetic beauty with dramatic effectiveness.

1.4. Rule of Three Unities

Spanish Golden Age playwrights often reject the classical unities, particularly those of time and place, considering them artificial. Consequently, plays can unfold in various locations and over an extended period. The unity of action (emphasized by Aristotle) is often given more consideration, although many plays feature multiple plotlines.

1.5. Mixture of Tragedy and Comedy

The strict boundaries between tragedy and comedy are blurred to imitate life and achieve greater verisimilitude.

1.6. Character Types

Playwrights adhere to poetic decorum, ensuring that each character’s language and behavior align with their social status. Several recurring character types appear in comedies:

  • The King: Can be depicted as a wise, old ruler focused on justice and order (king-old) or as an arrogant and unjust lover (king-lover).
  • The Powerful Nobleman: Flaunts his status and often embodies the role of a suitor. He is typically proud, unjust, and frequently disrupts social harmony.
  • The Gentleman: Represents the lady’s father, husband, or brother. His role is to protect the family honor by guarding the lady’s virtue.
  • The Gallant: Characterized by courage, boldness, generosity, perseverance, beauty, idealism, and noble lineage. He often endures significant suffering.
  • The Lady: Possesses beauty, noble lineage, and passionate devotion. Her actions are driven by love, jealousy, and honor.
  • The Gracioso (Funny Man): A key figure, often a witty and faithful servant. He appreciates money and pleasure, avoids danger, displays cowardice, and possesses a practical outlook on life. His romantic interests often mirror those of his master.