Spanish Theater: From 1940 to Present
The Impact of the Civil War (1940s)
The Spanish Civil War had a devastating impact on the theater. The death and exile of writers, actors, and directors, coupled with commercial and ideological pressures, resulted in a period of decline from 1939 onwards. In the 1950s, a realistic and politically engaged theater emerged, but censorship and self-censorship among writers hindered its development.
Theater in the 1940s
The theater of the 1940s reflected the bourgeois society and its ideology, presenting a superficial reality and rejecting experimentation. Popular genres included:
- Comedy, filled with topical jokes and linguistic humor.
- Historical and political drama, which encouraged audiences to escape the harsh realities of the time.
Notable playwrights and trends within this era include:
- Bourgeois drama and Benavente’s comedic influence, continued by authors like José López Rubio. These plays, whether comedies or dramas, often promoted escapism and conservative values, showcasing well-constructed plots and elegant dialogue.
- The Theater of Humor, the most intriguing development of the period. Enrique Jardiel Poncela sought to create a comedy of the improbable, breaking with traditional forms, logic, and clichés. His work, such as A Husband’s Return, often clashed with critics and audiences. Miguel Mihura’s Three Hats (written in 1932 but not performed until two decades later) also challenged conventions.
Theater in the 1950s
The 1950s began with three significant premieres: Antonio Buero Vallejo’s History of a Staircase, Miguel Mihura’s Three Hats, and Alfonso Sastre’s Squad to Death. These plays signaled a potential shift towards a theater reflecting contemporary issues, evolving from existentialism to social concerns. Playwrights like Buero Vallejo, Sastre, and Lauro Olmo explored social inequalities and the dehumanizing aspects of everyday life for ordinary people. Many plays, however, never reached the stage, leading to a rise of underground theater.
The work of Antonio Buero Vallejo stands out. His plays, often tragedies, explored universal human themes, both existential and social. He aimed to evoke catharsis in the audience, prompting them to confront their own destinies. His theater is known for its thought-provoking nature, raising questions without offering easy solutions. Dialogue, stagecraft, and the use of light and sound played crucial roles in his productions.
Theater in the 1960s
The 1960s saw a departure from commercial theater with the emergence of independent groups operating outside established circuits. These groups often emphasized collective creation, improvisation, and a critical approach that extended beyond political and social commentary. They challenged theatrical conventions of space and time.
Notable playwrights of this era include:
- Francisco Nieva, known for his provocative and experimental style.
- Fernando Arrabal, who gained international recognition for his avant-garde and rebellious plays, such as Picnic.
Theater Since 1975
Following the end of the dictatorship, Spanish theater experienced a resurgence of works by renowned authors and the rediscovery of previously suppressed texts. The arrival of democracy allowed for greater freedom of expression, but audiences initially struggled to embrace the avant-garde. A more conventional and accessible style of theater regained popularity.
Prominent playwrights of this period include:
- Antonio Gala
- José Luis Alonso de Santos
- Fernando Fernán Gómez
- José Luis Sanchis Sinisterra
Recent trends in Spanish theater encompass a diverse range of styles, including institutional theater, commercial productions, comedies, musicals, and the continued presence of independent theater groups.