Spanish Theater Evolution After 1936

Spanish Theater After 1936

The effects of the Spanish Civil War were felt profoundly within the theater. Many playwrights were killed, others were forced into exile, and those who remained in Spain faced dual constraints of censorship and public taste.

The Two Paths of Post-War Drama

Theater was largely dictated by public demand. Generally, two distinct lines of theater emerged:

• Commercial Theater: Dominated the mainstream stage and business scenarios.
• "Buried" Theater: Suppressed by censorship and persecution, this work was only performed in rehearsal rooms for minority audiences.

The 1940s: Entertainment and the Absurd

During this decade, theater focused on general fun and entertainment, maintaining the style established by Jacinto Benavente before the war. This elegant theater emphasized a "good tone" on stage.

Key Figures of the 40s

• José María Pemán: Known for historical dramas like El divino impaciente and the farce Tres hijos de Don Simón.
• Luca de Tena: A journalist and director of ABC who wrote comic plots such as El vampiro de la calle Claudio Coello and historical comedies like ¿Dónde vas, Alfonso XII?
• Miguel Mihura: Pioneered a theater of humor based on the absurd, most notably with Tres sombreros de copa (Three Top Hats).

The 1950s: Existential and Social Drama

While the trends of the early 40s continued, a new current of social awareness emerged, focusing on contemporary problems through existential drama.

Major Playwrights of the 50s

• Antonio Buero Vallejo: A tragic playwright whose work served to inquire and heal. His central theme was the pursuit of happiness and freedom, exemplified in Historia de una escalera.
• Alfonso Sastre: Viewed theater as an instrument for revolutionary action to transform society; his most important work is Escuadra hacia la muerte (Death Squad).

The 1960s: Bourgeois Comedy and Social Critique

Two lines developed during this decade:

• New Bourgeois Comedy: Reached high levels of escapism for the middle class.
• Social Theater: Addressed contemporary social issues, denounced capitalism and greed, and utilized plain, popular language.

The 1970s: Innovation and New Groups

Drama entered a new phase with outstanding theater groups and innovative authors:

• Francisco Nieva: Known for his imaginative and transgressive style.
• Fernando Arrabal: Famous for The Architect and the Emperor of Assyria.
• José Luis Alonso de Santos: Renowned for works like Bajarse al moro (Going Down to Morocco).