Key Catalan and Valencian Playwrights of the 20th Century

Prominent Catalan and Valencian Playwrights

Joan Oliver (Pere Quart)

Known by his pseudonym, Pere Quart, Joan Oliver's works express a profound poignancy. He was from a bourgeois background but, in his plays, he often depicted his class as bitter people. A notable work is Hunger, a political drama that examines the circumstances of revolution and civil war.

Josep Maria de Sagarra

A versatile and well-known author and playwright, Josep Maria de Sagarra had a special predilection for forms of popular culture and incorporated expressions from rural people into his works. His notable plays include:

• Hostal de la Glòria (The Glory Inn)
• Cafè de la Marina (Marina Café)
• La ferida lluminosa (The Luminous Wound)

Marta Domínguez

Marta Domínguez was an innovative figure in Valencian theater. One notable work is Malaenes, a tragedy depicting a conflict between two sisters in a rural setting. Another famous play, No tenien nens? (They Had No Children?), is based on a miracle of Jesus Christ. Her significant contribution lies in developing a literary language rooted in everyday family speech.

Salvador Espriu

Salvador Espriu wrote several plays, including Antígona. The renowned theater director Ricard Salvat staged one of his significant works, Ronda de mort a Sinera (Death Round in Sinera).

Manuel Pedrolo

Manuel Pedrolo wrote experimental works for the theater. His theatrical production is often associated with the Theater of the Absurd. A key play is:

• No era (It Was Not)

Joan Brossa

Also a poet, Joan Brossa was a staunch defender of Music Hall and striptease theater. He wrote plays that differed significantly from Pedrolo's, notably by using totally inconsistent and disjointed dialogues.

Francesc de Paula Burguera

Francesc de Paula Burguera was the author of a book of poems and a play:

• L'home de l'aigua (The Water Man), which explores understanding one's way of life.

Josep Maria Benet i Jornet

Josep Maria Benet i Jornet was a prominent playwright known for his realist dramas. His works often drew from personal memories and reflected the social realities of his time:

• Un vell, conegut olor (A Familiar, Known Smell): A realist drama written from the author's memories, reflecting the misery of war in Catalonia.
• Berenàveu a les fosques (You Had Supper in the Dark): Refers to the electricity restrictions imposed during a specific historical period.
• Revolta de bruixes (Witches' Revolt): Presents current trends in ideological struggle through the experiences of two women.

Rudolf and Josep Lluís Sirera

The Sirera brothers, Rudolf and Josep Lluís, are significant figures in Valencian theater. They wrote works both separately and collaboratively. Their joint productions often reflected the social and political landscape of Valencia, including:

• El brunzir de les abelles (The Buzzing of the Bees)
• La ràbia dels déus (The Anger of the Gods)
• La nit del tròpic (The Night of the Tropic)

Josep Lluís Sirera

Josep Lluís Sirera dedicated himself to theatrical theory and published several influential books, such as:

• Passat, present i futur del teatre valencià (Past, Present, and Future of Valencian Theater)

Rudolf Sirera

Rudolf Sirera founded the company Rogle, which is dedicated to representing Valencian theater. His notable works include:

• Plany d'Enric Bank (Lament for Enric Bank): Written upon Franco's death, reflecting the repression of the time.
• El verí del teatre (The Theater's Poison): A powerful play exploring themes of repression and power dynamics.