Characteristics of Spanish Baroque Theater and the Comedia Nueva

The Comedia Nueva: Innovations

The plays of the Comedia Nueva did not respect the three unities of place, time, and action characteristic of classical Renaissance theater. Instead, the work is structured in three acts or 'days': exposition of the case, complication of the facts, and resolution (desenlace).

• The same work can mix the comic and the tragic.
• All works are written entirely in verse.
• Polymetry is resorted to, using various meters and stanzas that are appropriate to different dramatic situations (e.g., quatrains for love scenes, tenths for complaints, and romances for stories).
• The language is adjusted to the social status of each character, which is known as poetic decorum.
• The plays may include dances and popular songs.

Themes and Arguments

The arguments of the plays were usually complicated and generally developed a dynamic and fast action, full of romantic intrigue, which served to keep the attention and expectation of the public.

The range of issues included:

• Mythological, pastoral, historical, foreign, classical history, and rural settings.
• The central themes of love and jealousy.
• Religious themes taken from the Bible, the lives of the saints, etc.

Social Function of the Baroque Stage

Theater of the seventeenth century was largely a popular spectacle that served to entertain and teach behavioral models. The public saw reflected on the stage the rigid social structure and norms of the time, as well as contemporary values and beliefs. The comedy ends with the punishment of the offender and the restoration of order.

The spectator particularly appreciated:

• The defense of the Monarchy.
• Maintaining the status of characters in a rigidly stratified society.
• National affirmation, often contrasting the former Spanish military hegemony with the onset of decadence.
• Defense of strict compliance with Catholic rule.

Typical Characters in the Comedia Nueva

In his dramatic creations, Lope de Vega established a pattern of characters with different variations and shades that would appear in most of the plays staged in the Baroque theater of the 17th century:

Main Character Archetypes

The King

Usually embodies the author's voice and administers justice.

The Noble Knight

Often a rich and powerful knight who abuses his power.

The Gallant in Love

Young, handsome, noble, and equipped with valor and generosity.

The Lady

Beautiful and of noble lineage in most cases.

The Old Father (or Brother/Spouse)

Vigils for the family honor and can avenge the disgrace of his daughter, sister, or spouse.

The Villain

An honest and old Christian farmer.

The Funny (or Gracioso)

An essential character. He is a materialist and charlatan servant, fond of eating and drinking, who might fall in love with the maid of his master's lady.