Contemporary Spanish Novel and Theatre Trends

Item 13

Narrative

Narrative is the genre that best adapted to cultural changes, while poetry and drama became genres for a minority audience. The novel, as a subgenre, became more commercial.

Characteristics of the Contemporary Novel

• Confluence of several generations of authors: Postwar novelists, authors of the Generation of '68, writers of the Generation of '80.
• Diversity of trends: Addresses all kinds of issues and adopts different styles and narrative techniques. Novelists often return to historical narrative.
• Publishing Market: The main types of novels have grown without one dominating the others. They conform to publishing criteria and public taste. The novel becomes both a cultural product and a consumer product.
• Latin American Influences: Spanish writers were influenced by Hispanic American authors like Jorge Luis Borges.

Types of Novels

• Historical Fiction: From the '80s, writers used the past to reflect on current issues. Notable author: Eduardo Mendoza.
• Detective Story: In the '70s, the detective thriller became popular. Influenced by American noir novels and films. Notable author: Manuel Vázquez Montalbán.
• Realistic Fiction: Returns to a realistic style. Notable authors: Miguel Delibes and Mateo Díez. This group may include testimonial novels that critically reflect on contemporary social conflicts and the deceptions of the Transition. Notable author: Juan Marsé.
• Intimate Fiction: Addresses a wide range of existential issues: identity, the meaning of life. Notable authors: Javier Marías and Rosa Montero. Within this group, the lyrical novel can be differentiated from narrative poetry. Subjectivity and suggestion predominate over narrative and referential elements. Notable author: Francisco Umbral.

Theatre

In the '80s, two trends in theatre continued: experimental theatre and social theatre. The former attempted to raise awareness about social issues, while the latter aimed primarily to entertain.

Changes in Theatre

Major changes led to a revitalization in theatre:

• Renewal of Official Theatre: Theatre productions were staged by previously banned authors. These productions revived works by classical authors banned by censors, especially from the Generation of '98, Valle-Inclán, and Lorca.
• Independent Companies: A significant number of independent companies emerged, connected with new forms of protest and a more diverse audience.
• New Staging: Exploration of new alternative scenarios, such as street theatre. Language also incorporated new technologies.
• Topics: Daily life and problems of modern humans, the Civil War, and the dictatorship.