Social Justice in Spanish Golden Age Theatre

This collection of essays explores how early modern Spanish plays engaged audiences with dialogue about abuse, injustice, and inequality, recognizing the power of theatre to reflect on social justice issues. It focuses on textual analysis, theatricality, performativity, and intellectual property laws, and reflects on social justice from practitioners' perspectives.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 294 pages
Publication date: 02 February 2021
Publisher: University of Toronto Press

This captivating collection of original essays delves into the diverse ways in which early modern Spanish plays actively engaged their audiences in a profound dialogue about abuse, injustice, and inequality. Far from the conventional notion of theatrical works as mere vehicles for propagating ideology, these essays acknowledge the remarkable power of theater to reflect upon and explore issues related to social justice. The book is organized into three distinct sections, each offering a unique perspective on the topic.

The first section focuses on textual analysis, drawing upon legal, feminist, and collective bargaining theories to shed light on the ways in which early modern Spanish plays addressed social justice concerns. By examining the legal frameworks within which these plays were produced and performed, the authors highlight the ways in which theater was used as a platform for advocating for change and challenging oppressive systems.

The second section delves into the realm of theatricality, performance, and intellectual property laws, exploring how contemporary adaptations of classical plays address these issues. Through an analysis of these adaptations, the authors examine the ways in which theater can be used as a tool for challenging dominant narratives and promoting social justice.

The final section of the book takes a practitioner's perspective, focusing on the experiences of actors and directors in creating and performing plays that address social justice themes. By hearing from these individuals, the authors gain insight into the challenges and rewards of using theater as a means of promoting social change.

Social Justice in Spanish Golden Age Theatre not only sheds light on the ways in which early modern Spanish plays engaged their audiences in a dialogue about abuse, injustice, and inequality but also demonstrates how adaptations of classical theater portray social justice and how throughout history, the writing and staging of comedias have been at the service of a wide range of political and social agendas. This book is a valuable resource for scholars, students, and theater enthusiasts alike, as it offers a fresh and insightful perspective on the role of theater in shaping society.

Weight: 446g
Dimension: 151 x 228 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781487525286