Spanish Theater Evolution: From Post-War to the 1980s
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Posterior Theater (Post-1936)
Post-1936 theater was characterized by a lack of experimentation, as the public sought simple entertainment. This was intensified by strict censorship, leading authors to self-censor.
1. Traditional Theater
Focused on entertainment and ideological transmission, this bourgeois comedy style lacked depth. Notable authors include J. Benavente and Calvo Sotelo. While Miguel Mihura's "Three Top Hats" was considered unconventional, it ultimately remained traditional.
2. Theater of Exile
Developed in Mexico and Argentina, this movement allowed innovators to write without censorship. Key figures include Max Aub, José de la Colina, and Rafael Alberti.
3. Realistic Existential Theater
Focused on the individual and the meaning of life rather than social issues. Buero Vallejo used historical settings to circumvent censorship and address universal problems, most notably in "Historia de una escalera."
The 1950s and 1960s: Realistic Protest Theater
This era focused on social injustice, labor exploitation, and the lingering agony of the Civil War, characterized by loneliness, sadness, and hunger. The style featured:
- Characters: Archetypes of society.
- Staging: Simple, realistic settings.
- Language: Colloquial and direct.
Key works include Alfonso Sastre's "Death Squad" and Antonio Buero Vallejo's "The Shirt."
The 1970s: The Avant-Garde
A period of harsh criticism toward the dictatorship using symbols and metaphors. Theater moved to the streets, breaking away from conventional staging. Notable groups include TEI and Els Comediants. Key authors include Fernando Arrabal ("Picnic") and Francisco Nieva ("Nosferatu").
The 1980s: Contemporary Diversity
The 1980s saw a move away from avant-garde extremes toward a variety of styles. Traditional theater remained prominent alongside contemporary themes. Highlights include Fernando Fernán Gómez and Sanchis Sinisterra's "¡Ay, Carmela!," as well as popular works like "La estanquera de Vallecas" and "¡Bájate al moro!"