Spanish Theater Evolution: 1900s to Postwar
Spanish Theater: Early 20th Century Developments
In 1900, the taste favored teatro chico (short plays). The genre of gender was depleting its resources and fragmented into burlesques and operettas, with canción occupying a preponderant position. The large genre was bourgeois comedy, represented in the works of Echegaray. The modern style in theater began with Jacinto Benavente (vested interests).
Decline of Modernism and G98 Renewal
The decline of modernism saw the triumph of the Spanish historical theater near the tradition of Villaespesa and Marquina. By the end of the first decade of the century, the Generation of '98 (G98) led the need for a theatrical renewal. An author was Unamuno, who addressed the same themes in his works as in his novels: life, death, God. Notable works include Fedra and Rachel Enchained. Antonio Machado, his brother, wrote 7 works, including "La Lola".
Novecentismo and Avant-Garde
Novecentismo brought popular comic theater, highlighted by Carlos Arniches (Miss Trevelez). The Alvarez Quintero brothers and Jacinto Grau are also noteworthy.
The Renewal Led by Valle-Inclán
The renewal of the theater of that time is attributed to Valle-Inclán, the creator of esperpentos. Key works are Luces de Bohemia (Lights of Bohemia) and Comedias Bárbaras.
Theater During the 1930s
During the 1930s, theater groups emerged with an innovative approach aimed at the people. Dramatists included:
- Max Aub (El marido celoso y su novia)
- Casona (La Sirena Varada)
- Jardiel Poncela (Cuatro corazones con freno)
The Generation of '27 Poets in Drama
However, the poets of the G27 were the most distinguished. Alberti wrote what is called the "theater of urgency," serving the Republican cause (La farsa de los magos).
Ramón J. Sender wrote 4 plays:
- Réquiem por un campesino aragonés (allegorical to the way of Calderón)
- Los hijos muertos
- El gran tejedor
- El pastor de la muerte
These works were faithful testimonies of the most Republican social drama.
Lorca's Prominence
Lorca stood out among these initial authors. His work began with El maleficio de la mariposa, followed by Mariana Pineda and puppet theater. He wrote farces such as La zapatera prodigiosa. He created the theater of "Así que pasen cinco años" and during the 1930s wrote works of greater commercial success.
War and Exile
During the war, plays of propaganda succeeded on both sides; only the works of Pedro Salinas are highlighted.
Postwar Activity
In exile, the dramatic activity of the exiles continued. Casona's La Dama del Alba stands out.
Humor in Postwar Stages
Humorous works were also common on postwar Spanish stages. The most interesting authors were Miguel Miura (Tres sombreros de copa) and Enrique Jardiel Poncela (Eloísa está debajo de un almendro).