Manuel de Pedrolo's Influence on Modern Catalan Drama

Manuel de Pedrolo: Commitment and Existentialism in Catalan Drama

The work of Manuel de Pedrolo cannot be separated from the time in which it was written: the author projected his political and social ideas, demonstrating his commitment to the people and the country. He is the author of many extensive and varied works in contemporary literature. Pedrolo is a prolific writer who has cultivated practically all genres and has explored many topics and techniques.

Pedrolo's Contribution to Post-War Catalan Theater

His contribution is a key element in the evolution of post-war Catalan theater, creating a unique universe and singular dramatic techniques.

Themes and Techniques (1958–1963)

Between 1958 and 1963, he wrote thirteen plays focusing on the following themes:

• Loneliness and isolation
• Commitment to the country
• Authenticity
• Sense of existence and freedom

These themes were analyzed using techniques, formal and stylistic elements that relate to the Theater of the Absurd, analyzed differently than in English drama.

Characteristics of Pedrolo's Drama

• The language is often insufficient for the expression of concepts, and dialogues often seem overly monologic.
• Pedrolo's theater removes any dialogue references that enable the location of the action.
• The characters are symbols embodying attitudes that the author faces in extreme situations, approached from an existentialist perspective.

Notable works include: Cruma, And Not Men, etc.

Transformations in Contemporary Playwriting

Trends Since the Sixties

Since the sixties, there have been a number of changes, including the incorporation of theatrical gestures, mime, street festivals, and audience participation. The main exponent was Independent Theater. These plays used satire to address current issues, often provided from a critical perspective.

Other significant trends included:

• Historical Documentation: A type of writing that focused on controversial historical events, documenting them and giving them dramatic form.
• Collective Creation: A genre based on collective improvisation, involving the participation of group members.
• Street Theater: Incorporating music, acrobatics, juggling, and clowns.

Frequent Themes

The most frequent themes addressed were loneliness, aging, isolation, violence, racism, and marginalization.

New Theatrical Paths (Since the Seventies)

Since the seventies, new theatrical paths have been specified as follows:

• Research into new stage areas.
• Rejection of writing theater a priori.
• Importance of the stage director figure.
• Rejection of the vision of Western theater.
• Mixed-media expression.