The Generation of 50: Spanish Poetry and Theater (1950-1970)

Spanish Poetry: 1950 to 1970

The Generation of 1950 (Social Poetry)

This generation, often associated with social poetry, understands poetry not only as communication but also as a form of personal experience and exploration of reality.

Key Features of the Generation of 1950

• Critical position towards reality.
• More careful language and style.
• Presence of humor and irony.
• Return to intimate themes.
• Tone less dramatic than in previous social poetry.

Ángel González

Combines social complaint with intimate, ironic, and disillusioned poetry. His language is always careful and sometimes takes a conversational tone. Key work: A Rough Spring Progresses and the World.

Antonio Gamoneda

His poems are very personal and are written in careful language. Key work: Revolt Motionless.

Francisco Brines

Uses everyday language in an elaborate and artistic way. The topics covered are love and the flow of time. Key work: The Embers.

Claudio Rodríguez

Verses are dense and display high sensitivity. Key work: Spells.

Jaime Gil de Biedma

Known for selected poetry that is often ironic and sarcastic. Key works: Travel Companions and Moralities.

Experimental Poetry (The Novísimos)

Characteristics of Experimental Poetry

• Appreciation of foreign poets and influences.
• Love of popular mythology.
• A break with earlier poetic traditions.
• Background in media and mass culture.
• A taste for the old-fashioned or kitsch.

Spanish Theater After the Civil War

Bourgeois Theater and Evasion

The bourgeois theater maintained the comedic flow typical of Benavente.

Existential Theater

Reports on the situation and existential concerns following the Civil War.

Theater of Humor and the Absurd

This style employs intelligent humor, often focusing on language through absurd jokes and nonsensical dialogue, attempting to make the viewer think.

Joaquín Calvo Sotelo

An author of wit and good knowledge of dramatic technique. His work ranges from comedy to historical drama. It is a theater full of moral and ideological content. Key work: The Muralla.

Miguel Mihura

Bases his plays on the absurd. His work is characterized by existential concern and intense criticism. Mihura's humor does not seek merely to entertain, but to reflect. Over time, his works moved away from social withdrawal and focused more on an audience seeking entertainment. Key works: Three Hats for Crown and Maribel and the Bizarre Family.

Enrique Jardiel Poncela

He is a playwright of clever and ironic humor, through which he depicts his world. His work is based on the improbable and the absurd, combining humor of language and situations. Key work: Four Hearts with Brake and Reverse.