Maria Martinez Sierra: A Great Playwright Hidden in Plain Sight: Three Plays from Spanish Theatre's Silver Age

María Martínez Sierra was a renowned playwright in Spain, South America, and translation on Broadway and London's West End in the first half of the 20th century. Her works were initially attributed to her husband, Gregorio Martínez Sierra, but after his death, it was revealed that she was the true author. This edited collection features three of her plays, translated by Helen and Harley Granville-Barker, and an introduction by Patricia OConnor that examines her life and work. The plays explore strong women and are edited by Richard Nelson and Professor Colin Chambers, who also contribute an essay on the translation work of the Granville-Barkers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 17 November 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Her plays were widely popular in Spain, South America, and in translation on Broadway and London's West End during that time. However, it was widely believed that her husband, the renowned director and playwright Gregorio Martínez Sierra, was the sole author of her work.

After his passing, it was revealed that María was the true author of her husband's work, solidifying her place as one of the most significant playwrights of her era. This edited collection presents three plays by María Martínez Sierra, translated by Helen and Harley Granville-Barker, along with an introduction by Patricia OConnor, University of Cincinnati, US, that explores María's extraordinary life and work, as well as the struggle for her authorship to be recognized in both the Spanish-speaking and anglophone worlds.

This volume specifically focuses on plays that revolve around strong female characters, and each play is translated by the esteemed man of theatre Harley Granville-Barker and his wife, Helen. Interestingly, Helen's own story shares striking parallels with Maria's in terms of authorship. The collection is edited by playwright Richard Nelson and Professor Colin Chambers, who also contribute an essay on the translation work of the Granville-Barkers.

The plays included in this collection are:
1. The Kingdom of God (1928)
2. The Romantic Young Lady (1920)
3. Take Two From One (1931)

María de la O Lejárraga García, known by her birth name, María Martínez Sierra, deserves to be recognized as one of the most significant female playwrights not only in Spain but also worldwide during the first half of the 20th century. Her plays were widely embraced and enjoyed in Spain, South America, and in their translations on Broadway and London's West End. However, for a long time, it was widely assumed that her husband, the renowned director and playwright Gregorio Martínez Sierra, was the sole author of her work.

It was only after his passing that the truth emerged. María was the true author behind her husband's celebrated plays. This revelation not only elevated her status as a playwright but also placed her among the most influential figures in the world of theatre.

To celebrate María Martínez Sierra's remarkable legacy, this edited collection presents three of her plays, translated by the accomplished duo of Helen and Harley Granville-Barker. Additionally, an introduction by Patricia OConnor, University of Cincinnati, US, provides valuable insights into María's life and work, shedding light on the challenges she faced in achieving recognition as a playwright in both the Spanish-speaking and anglophone worlds.

The plays included in this collection are:
1. The Kingdom of God (1928)
2. The Romantic Young Lady (1920)
3. Take Two From One (1931)

These plays showcase María Martínez Sierra's exceptional talent and her ability to portray strong female characters. Each play is translated with precision and artistry, capturing the essence of her writing and the depth of her characters. Harley Granville-Barker and Helen's dedication to the translation process ensures that the plays are accessible to a broader audience, allowing them to appreciate the brilliance of María's work.

The editors of this collection, Richard Nelson and Professor Colin Chambers, have also contributed an insightful essay on the translation work of the Granville-Barkers. They discuss the challenges and rewards of translating plays from Spanish to English, as well as the unique contributions that the Granville-Barkers made to the art of translation.

María Martínez Sierra's journey as a playwright is a testament to her resilience and determination. Despite facing obstacles and challenges, she persevered and succeeded in leaving a lasting impact on the world of theatre. This edited collection serves as a tribute to her remarkable talent and her rightful place in the annals of theatrical history.

In conclusion, María Martínez Sierra: A Great Playwright Hidden in Plain Sight recognizes María de la O Lejárraga García as one of the most important female playwrights of the 20th century. Her plays were widely popular and celebrated in Spain, South America, and in translation, and her authorship was only revealed after her husband's passing. This edited collection presents three of her plays, translated with precision and artistry by Harley Granville-Barker and Helen, along with an introduction that explores her life and work. The editors also provide an insightful essay on the translation work of the Granville-Barkers, highlighting the challenges and rewards of translating plays from Spanish to English. María Martínez Sierra's journey as a playwright is a testament to her resilience and determination, and this collection serves as a tribute to her remarkable talent and her rightful place in the annals of theatrical history.

Weight: 327g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350300187