Subject
Spanish drama -- 20th century Books
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Benito Pérez Galdós
Mariucha
"Mariucha" by Benito Pérez Galdós is a five-act comedy written in the early 20th century." This play explores themes of morality and societal change amidst the decline of aristocracy in Spain, centering on characters like Don Pedro and María as they navigate their challenges. With a focus on personal virtues over social ruin, the play presents a vivid portrayal of contemporary Spanish life. "The opening of "Mariucha" introduces the setting in the once-grand palace of Alto-Rey, where we meet Cirila, a maid, and Corral, a plebeian who appears to be wealthy but is inquiring about the impoverished state of the marquises living there." The characters discuss the deterioration of the nobility and the struggles of those who once held power, establishing a backdrop of societal decline. As the scene unfolds, Don Pedro, the marquis, enters looking troubled, hinting at the pressures he faces in maintaining dignity while confronting his family's financial struggles. This initial dialogue sets the stage for the exploration of class and the quest for a renewed sense of identity amid turmoil.
Ramón del Valle-Inclán
Luces de Bohemia: Esperpento
"Luces de Bohemia: Esperpento" by Ramón del Valle-Inclán is a play published in 1920. It follows the final hours of Max Estrella, a blind, impoverished poet who wanders through the dark, sordid streets of Madrid accompanied by his companion Don Latino. Through their encounters with society's margins, the work delivers biting criticism of Spain's political corruption and cultural hypocrisy. Valle-Inclán pioneered a new theatrical genre called "esperpento"—a distorted, grotesque lens for viewing reality—transforming one man's tragic demise into a brutal portrait of an unjust nation.
Carlos Arniches y Barrera
Sainetes
"Sainetes" by Carlos Arniches y Barrera is a collection of theatrical one-act plays written in the early 20th century. The work captures the vibrant essence of everyday life in Spain, featuring a colorful cast of characters that navigate societal norms, personal ambitions, and romantic entanglements. The plays often incorporate humor, local dialects, and a touch of the absurd, making them an engaging reflection of contemporary Spanish culture. The opening portion introduces us to a lively scene set in a modest plazuela of the lower neighborhoods. Here, we meet various characters, including Señor Eulogio, a shoemaker, and Cirila, a teasing young woman. The dialogue is filled with playful banter as Señor Eulogio and Secundino engage in humorous exchanges about relationships and social dynamics. As Cirila interacts with Secundino, their flirtation hints at a deeper web of relationships among the characters, foreshadowing conflicts and comedic situations that emerge as the narrative unfolds. The atmosphere blends lighthearted teasing with the realities of life in their community, setting the stage for entertaining encounters.
Ramón del Valle-Inclán
Divinas palabras : $b Tragicomedia de aldea
"Divinas palabras: Tragicomedia de aldea" by Ramón del Valle-Inclán is a tragicomedy written in the early 20th century. Set in a rural village, the play follows the family of Pedro Gailo, a sacristan, whose sister dies leaving behind a hydrocephalic dwarf child. The family exploits the disabled boy at fairs for money, sparking bitter disputes. When Pedro's wife Mari Gaila runs off with her lover, tragedy strikes as a drunken mob kills the child, unleashing dramatic consequences in this grotesque yet universal work.
Carlos Arniches y Barrera
Es mi hombre: Tragedia grotesca en tres actos
"Es mi hombre: Tragedia grotesca en tres actos" by Carlos Arniches y Barrera is a theatrical play written in the early 20th century. This work likely explores themes of poverty, familial struggle, and human dignity through the lens of comedic tragedy. The central characters introduced are Don Antonio and his daughter Leonorcita, who are navigating the harsh realities of their impoverished life while managing the complexities of hope and responsibility. The opening of this play establishes a distinctly somber yet humorous tone, revealing the daily lives of its characters in a cramped and shabby apartment. We are introduced to young Leonorcita, who has been tirelessly working as a seamstress to help make ends meet, while her father, Don Antonio, grapples with his inadequacies and the mounting pressures of financial struggles. Their interactions highlight a blend of affection and desperation, as they face the confrontational presence of creditors and the challenges that arise from their living conditions. The dynamics set forth in these opening scenes promise a poignant exploration of their plight punctuated by moments of humor and shared yearning for a better life.
Jacinto Benavente
Señora ama: Comedia en tres actos
"Señora ama: Comedia en tres actos" by Jacinto Benavente is a play premiered in 1908. Dominica is a newly married woman forced to endure her husband Feliciano's chronic infidelities. She finds solace in knowing he always returns to her. But when she discovers she is pregnant, everything changes. The news forces her to reconsider her situation and compels her husband to make a profound decision about their future together.
Carlos Arniches y Barrera
Los caciques farsa cómica de costumbres de política rural, distribuída en tres actos
"Los caciques" by Carlos Arniches y Barrera is a three-act play premiered in 1920. In the small town of Villalgancio, corrupt mayor Don Acisclo Arrambla learns an inspector is coming to audit his accounts. He prepares lavish bribes to win the inspector's favor. However, when Alfredo and his uncle arrive seeking permission to marry the mayor's niece, they are mistaken for the inspector, triggering a cascade of comic misunderstandings. Arniches called this work a "tragedia grotesca," inspired by Nikolai Gogol's satirical play "The Inspector General."
Jacinto Benavente
Vidas cruzadas : $b Cinedrama en dos partes, dividida la primera en diez cuadros y la segunda en tres y un epílogo, y en prosa
"Vidas cruzadas: Cinedrama en dos partes, dividida la primera en diez cuadros…" by Jacinto Benavente is a play premiered in 1929. Structured like a film with brief scenes and frequent changes, it tells the story of Eugenia Castrojeriz, an impoverished noblewoman pressured by her brother's debts. She turns to her wealthy suitor Enrique Garcimora for help, but he demands marriage in return. Though they love each other, this bargain becomes the beginning of their misfortune.
Jacinto Benavente
La Malquerida : $b Drama en tres actos y en prosa
"La Malquerida: Drama en tres actos y en prosa" by Jacinto Benavente is a play written in 1913. Set in a Castilian village, this rural drama follows Raimunda, a wealthy farmer remarried to Esteban, and her daughter Acacia, who harbors deep resentment toward her stepfather. When Acacia's fiancé is mysteriously murdered on their engagement night, suspicion falls on her former suitor. As secrets emerge and village gossip swirls, dark truths about forbidden desires and deadly jealousies threaten to destroy the family.
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