Spanish Experimental Theater of the Late 1970s

The Transformation of Theater in the Late 1970s

At the end of the 1970s, a form of theater emerged that departed from traditional representation and settings where the text took a secondary role. During this period, non-commercial and non-professional theater groups proliferated. There was a surge of interest in theater at all levels, leading to the creation of university theaters, experimental theaters focusing on the importance of the actor and their behavior at work, and amateur theaters.

Theater was conceived as a spectacle in which the literary text became secondary. It involved an allegorical, abstract, and symbolic language based on technical innovations and the inclusion of special effects.

The Renovation of Spanish Theater

In Spain, theater renovation arrived in the late 1970s through university theaters and various groups attempting to self-finance their projects.

Influential Theatrical Groups

Els Joglars

Founded by Albert Boadella and Carlota Soldevila, this group practices emerging theatrical drama developed from action, words, or a variety of gestures. The themes shown in their productions include works such as El retablo de las maravillas, La torna, and Daaalí.

Els Comediants

This is a group of actors, musicians, and artists who seek to rescue the roots of festive theater. The most important goal is engaging the viewer, and any language (mime, commedia dell'arte, puppets, etc.) is accepted. Notable shows by this group include the closing ceremony of the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games, Nit, Dimonis, and Mediterranean Gala Soiree.

Dagoll Dagom

This Catalan group approaches theater with a poetic interest, placing a very important bet on the music scene and the techniques they employ. A standout work is Mar i Cel (Ocean and Sky).

Prominent Spanish Playwrights

At the end of the 1970s, new authors were introduced to the public.

Luis Riaza

Key works include Portrait of a Lady with a Dog and Attic and Basement: Males from Females.

Francisco Nieva

His widespread production is usually divided into the theater of farce and calamity, with works like The Cloth of Injuries and The Spanish Underground, and a merged theater featuring Nosferatu or Not Having a Good Head.

Fernando Fernán Gómez

He is well-known for the work Bicycles Are for the Summer.

José Luis Alonso de Santos

He wrote Bajarse al moro (Get Off the Moor), a funny parody of society through the presentation of characters portrayed vividly through their specific language. Additionally, the work Olvida los tambores by Ana María Diosdado is highly significant.