The Staging of Calderón’s Theatre

Abstract

In this chapter we shall focus on specific aspects of th is scenography, relying on evidence taken both from indications left by the dramatist in the play-texts themselves and from other related documents that explain the use of materials or strategies for performance. Long neglected by scholars, who largely saw theatre as dramatic poetry whose essence was to be found in the text, scenography has more recently been accorded a greater importance, justified by the pre-eminence of the visual in contemporary culture, an importance that risks, it must be said, the opposite bias, exaggerating the significance of staging in the analysis of theatrical works. Studying staging in Calderon necessitates an explanation of Spanish Golden Age drama in the round since, within each genre and each dramatic mode, Calderon exhibits an exceptional command of scenography.