Spanish Theater Renewal: Early 20th Century Dramatists

Spanish Theater in the Early 20th Century

Early 20th-century Europe was characterized by a genuine renewal in both theatrical themes and their dramatic treatment. However, the situation in Spain differed significantly, where a clear renewal was achieved by only a few authors. The reasons for this disparity included:

• Producers were unwilling to invest in works that were not guaranteed success.
• Actors demanded works written specifically for their talents, preferring the declamatory style of 19th-century high comedy.
• The public wanted to see their own problems reflected in the works.

1. Modern Drama

This genre unsuccessfully attempted to revive the ideals of Golden Age drama, especially regarding historical themes. Scenery featured elaborate stage effects and exotic motifs, often dominating the historical setting. Notable authors included:

• Eduardo Marquina: Cultivated historical verse drama, with works like The Daughters of the Cid and In Flanders, the Sun Has Set.
• Francisco Villaespesa: His theater, also in verse, focused on patriotic themes, such as Aben Humeya and María de Padilla.
• Manuel and Antonio Machado: Together they wrote La Lola Goes to Port.

2. Popular Comedy Theater

The early 20th century saw a popular theater featuring stereotypical characters: the naive worker, the unscrupulous master, the honest poor man. This theater appealed to a public seeking escape and enjoyed seeing themselves represented. Authors of this genre included:

• The Álvarez Quintero Brothers: Excelled at portraying Andalusian archetypes. Among their works are The Gay Genius and Malvaloca.
• Carlos Arniches: Reflected the castizo (traditional) Madrid environment in his work, such as The Saint of Isidra and Miss Trevélez.
• Pedro Muñoz Seca: He created a subgenre he called Astrakhan, based on silly humor and fanciful situations, parodying romantic and verse dramas. His most important work is Don Mendo's Revenge.

3. Traditional Theater

This genre was based on naturalness, featuring bourgeois characters who live out their daily problems on stage. Jacinto Benavente is a key figure. Among his works are Saturday Night, The Lady of the House, The Malquerida, The Food of Beasts, and especially The Bonds of Interest.

4. Theater of Renewal

Some authors attempted a dramatic renewal:

• Alejandro Casona: His theater is a blend of educational and social intent, lyricism, and fantasy. Much of his work was written from exile. Works from this period include The Siren Stranded and Our Natasha. From his exile period are works such as The Lady of the Dawn and The Fisherman's Boat.
• Enrique Jardiel Poncela: His aim was to renew the theatrical mood, incorporating illogical and implausible elements into his plays. Works from his pre-Civil War period include: You Have Eyes of a Femme Fatale and Angelina or the Honor of a Brigadier. His 1940 work is Eloísa Under an Almond Tree.
• Miguel Mihura: This Madrid-born author wrote 23 plays, but only one, Three Hats for Eloisa (1932), belongs to this period.
• Ramón María del Valle-Inclán: His dramatic work possesses very particular characteristics that were not fully understood until well into the 20th century. His production can be grouped into:

  • 1) Modernist Works

    The Marquise Rosalinda and The Love of the King.

  • 2) Works of Rural Content

    These works blend the rural roots of a mythical Galicia with elemental human passions. Notable works include the Comedia bárbara cycle, formed by Águila de blasón, Romance de lobos, and Cara de plata, and Divinas Palabras.

  • 3) Expressionist Works: The Esperpento

    Following Expressionist art techniques that lead to the grotesque: Mardi Gras (including Los cuernos de Don Friolera, Las galas del difunto, and La hija del capitán) and Luces de bohemia, subtitled Esperpento.

• Federico García Lorca: We can distinguish various periods in his career:

  • 1) Juvenile Period

    To this period belongs Mariana Pineda, which recreates the theme of a heroine sentenced to death for embroidering a liberal flag.

  • 2) Popular and Children's Works

    Such as El retablillo de Don Cristóbal, written for puppets.

  • 3) Works in Prose and Verse

    The Shoemaker's Prodigious Wife or Doña Rosita the Spinster, both exploring the theme of frustrated love.

  • 4) Impossible Comedy (Surrealism)

    The Public.

  • 5) Works with Strong Tragic Content

    Written between 1933 and 1936, these include Blood Wedding, Yerma, and The House of Bernarda Alba.