Post-Civil War Spanish Drama: Key Trends and Authors
Spanish Theater After 1939: Context and Early Trends
From 1939 onwards, Spanish theater navigated a complex landscape shaped by socio-political factors and the aftermath of the Civil War. While some innovative voices disappeared or went into exile (like Casona), censorship and commercial constraints heavily influenced production.
High comedy, often set in middle-class environments with trivial themes, continued its run, alongside traditional costumbrista styles. However, by the late 1940s and early
Read MoreSpanish Theatre in the Early Twentieth Century
Spanish Theatre: Early 20th Century Trends
Drama requires viewers. This reality significantly influenced playwrights at the beginning of the twentieth century, as the public primarily came from the bourgeoisie. Playwrights responded in two main ways:
- Creating works designed to please the audience, known as triumphant theatre (often with low critical depth).
- Developing an avant-garde theatre that aimed to surprise the audience and carried a critical (often anti-bourgeois) message.
Triumphant Theatre
Read MoreAntonio Machado’s Poetic Journey: Stages and Themes
Antonio Machado’s poetry, like that of many authors, was marked by significant life events. His work was deeply affected by the death of his young wife, Leonor Izquierdo, who passed away at around 19 years old. His poetry reflects his ideas about the nature of poetry and art itself, aiming for a twofold purpose: to capture the essence of things while also reflecting their temporal flow.
We can distinguish several distinct stages in his poetic evolution:
First Poetic Stage
In this initial cycle, Machado
Read MoreLinguistic History of Spain: From Latin to Modern Languages
The Linguistic Landscape of Hispania
From the third century BC, the Romanization of Hispania led to the decline of most pre-Roman languages, except for Basque, establishing Latin as the dominant language. Although the Visigoths invaded Hispania in the sixth century, they eventually adopted the Latin-based language of the conquered population. Furthermore, the settlement of various Germanic peoples within the Roman Empire accelerated the evolution and fragmentation of Latin.
Later, the Arab conquest
Read MoreHorace and Ovid: Lives and Major Works of Roman Poets
Horace: Roman Lyric Poet
Horace (Quintus Horatius Flaccus) was born in Venusia, southern Italy, in 65 BC. He was the son of a freedman (an emancipated slave). He received his education first in Rome and later in Athens, where he studied Greek literature and philosophy. He fought on the side of Brutus and Cassius (the assassins of Julius Caesar) against Octavian (later Augustus) at the Battle of Philippi in 42 BC. After Augustus’ victory, Horace returned to Rome and was granted amnesty.
Initially facing
Read MoreJordi de Sant Jordi & Ausiàs March: Pillars of Valencian Poetry
Jordi de Sant Jordi
Life and Court Connections
Born in the late fourteenth century, Jordi de Sant Jordi died in 1424. He participated actively in court life and in Mediterranean military campaigns accompanying the king. He held significant positions, such as chamberlain to the monarch, and was rewarded with generous incomes and the lordship of Penàguila or the Castle of Vall d’Uixó, which he held until his death. Jordi de Sant Jordi was notably well-connected with other writers. His acquaintances
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