Spanish Theater History: From Post-War Realism to Democracy

Spanish Theater in the 1950s

During the 1950s, the dictatorship imposed strict censorship, yet theater became a hub for opposition and reflection. Key works include Buero Vallejo's Historia de una escalera (1949) and Alfonso Sastre's Escuadra hacia la muerte (1953). This era focused on existential theater, exploring the human condition, frustration, and, from 1955 onward, social theater addressing poverty and the lack of freedom.

Theater of the 1960s and 1970s

Realistic Theater

The 1960s saw a rise in realistic drama characterized by:

• Themes: Social injustice, hypocrisy, and cruelty.
• Language: Direct, violent, and devoid of euphemisms.
• Style: A preference for naturalism.

Key Authors:

• Lauro Olmo: Known for La camisa, a proletarian drama with farcical elements.
• Antonio Gala: Blended lyricism and realism with great success, notably in Los verdes campos del Edén.
• Alfonso Paso: A prolific writer of successful commercial theater with over 100 works.

Non-Realistic Theater

This style assimilated new trends despite censorship, utilizing symbolic approaches to criticize the dictatorship. Features include characters reduced to symbols, the use of grotesque farce, and poetic language.

Key Authors:

• Fernando Arrabal: Faced with censorship in Spain, he chose exile in France, where he gained significant international attention.
• Francisco Nieva: Renowned for his originality and staging, he wrote critical works like Coronada y el toro.

Antonio Buero Vallejo

A prominent opposition figure, Buero Vallejo was condemned to death and later pardoned. His work is divided into three stages:

• First Stage (until 1955): Existential focus, exemplified by Historia de una escalera, depicting the frustration of modest families over three generations.
• Second Stage (1955–1970): A more accurate look at human problems, including historical dramas like Las Meninas and Un soñador para un pueblo.
• Final Works (1970s): Focused on social and political content, such as La fundación, which depicts political prisoners.

Alfonso Sastre and the Transition to Democracy

Alfonso Sastre is best known for his anti-war piece Escuadra hacia la muerte. Following the transition to democracy, the theater landscape shifted:

• Previously forbidden texts were recovered.
• Theater groups became more professionalized.
• Authors began addressing contemporary problems.

Notable Authors:

• Fermín Cabal: Author of Esta noche gran velada.
• Fernando Fernán Gómez: Author of Las bicicletas son para el verano, a major success in musical comedy.