Spanish Drama and Journalistic Forms: 1900–1970 Literary Movements

Spanish Theatre Until 1940

Jacinto Benavente: The most successful playwright of the era. He introduced contemporary topics and modernized comedies. His work often included criticism of bourgeois society (e.g., The Unloved and Vested Interests).

Enrique Jardiel Poncela: Developed improbable humor (e.g., Eloísa is Beneath an Almond Tree and The Thieves Are Honest People).
Pedro Muñoz Seca: Invented the *Astracán* (slapstick humor), a type of escapism that parodies literary works and characters (e.g., Don Mendo's Revenge).
Miguel Mihura: Started the Theatre of the Absurd, which is critical of society yet tender toward the characters (e.g., Three Hats).

Ramón Gómez de la Serna: Applied the innovations of the avant-garde to his work, often using unique literary forms.
Federico García Lorca: His drama is difficult to separate from his poetry. His language is laden with symbolism and great expressive power. Key conflict issues include desire, freedom, and opposition to authority (e.g., Mariana Pineda, Puppet Theatre works) and tragedies (Yerma, The House of Bernarda Alba, and Blood Wedding).

This movement extended the idea of commitment, viewing literature as a vehicle for social and political change.

Antonio Buero Vallejo: His works (e.g., Story of a Stairway) present the inability to escape material and moral conditions.
Alfonso Sastre: Led the theatre of social unrest. His work represents the theme of oppression and exploitation under the dictatorship (e.g., works focusing on themes of "red soil").

Fernando Arrabal: Creator of Panic Theatre. His aesthetic of the absurd critiques armed conflicts (e.g., Picnic).

News: Attempts to answer a series of questions; it is objective.
Feature Article: A broad, informative piece that includes descriptions and dialogues. The journalist's style is evident, aiming to capture the reader's attention.
Chronicle: Written by a correspondent or journalist who follows a specific topic. The chronicler's style is apparent, often including interpretation.
Opinion Articles: The freest of genres, where the author's opinion is central. This category includes: