Spanish Theatre Evolution: From 1940 to the Present

Spanish Theatre: From 1940 to the Present

Post-war Spanish theatre was defined by the isolation and poverty of society. Its development comprises three distinct stages:

The 1940s: Tradition and Humor

The 1940s were characterized by the continuation of pre-war trends, particularly the bourgeois drama in the style of Benavente, an uncritical defender of conservative values. Key figures include:

• Pemán
• Calvo Sotelo
• Luca de Tena
• Ruiz Iriarte

There were also renewal attempts focusing on the theatre of humor, led by Mihura and Jardiel Poncela:

• Miguel Mihura: Author of a theatre close to the absurd but with critical intention. His most important work is Three Top Hats.
• Jardiel Poncela: Known for accentuating incredible action, his notable work is Eloísa Is Under an Almond Tree.

1950–1965: The Realistic Generation

This period saw the emergence of a coherent group with leftist ideology, aiming to criticize the Spanish reality of the time through a predominantly realistic aesthetic. Key authors include Buero Vallejo, Alfonso Sastre, and Lauro Olmo. These authors were more concerned with content and social messages than formal innovation.

Key Figures and Works

• Antonio Buero Vallejo: Author of two key works: Story of a Staircase and The Skylight.
• Alfonso Sastre: Conceived theatre as a means of awareness and agitation, highlighting the relationship between the individual and society (e.g., Blood and Ash and Squadron of Death).

Post-1965: Dramatic Renewal

From 1965 onwards, a theatrical renewal occurred, moving away from pure realism toward expressionist formulas. This shift manifested in two ways:

• Individual Authors (Underground Theatre): Francisco Nieva, Miguel Romero Esteo, and Fernando Arrabal (creator of Panic Theatre).
• Independent Groups: Collectives such as T.E.I. and Tábano, encompassing amateur, chamber, and experimental theatre.

This era also maintained a traditional line represented by authors such as:

• Antonio Gala: Rings for a Lady
• José Luis Alonso de Santos: Get Off the Moor
• José Sanchis Sinisterra: Ay, Carmela!
• Fernando Fernán Gómez: Bicycles Are for Summer