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- Identity: the
building blocks of
2. Literature
and philosophy
3. Art and
architecture
4. Performing
arts
5. Cinema
and fashion
6. Media and
communications
7. Food and drink 8. Living culture:
the details of
The Golden Age formula
Lope de Vega once mused on his new style of drama in
a lengthy poem, leaving us an insight into the theatrical
form that triumphed and dominated in the Golden
Age, thecomedia nueva. He ignored the classical
cornerstones of time, place and action, instead forging
plays with three acts that offered something more
tangible to his audience. Any subject matter was fair
game, but dialogue had to be accurate to the social
class of the characters. In practice, honour became the
most common theme. Comedy and tragedy could be
happily mixed within single plays, although the former
usually came out on top for a happy ending. A sub-plot,
often humorous, was usually included. In all instances,
suspense had to be maintained until the grand
denouement of the final
scene – otherwise he
said people would
leave early. Using this
formula, Vega and other
playwrights were able to
churn out plays at a
remarkable rate.
Have you heard the one
about the King, the actress
and the mountain range?
Maria Calderon, or
La Calderona as she was
known, was the most
famous Golden Age actress.
She apparently had a son
by drama buff Felipe IV
although the King ended up
sending her to a convent
(as he did with all his
lovers). She escaped into a
nearby Valencian mountain
range, which now bears
her name.
