Entremés

Definition

An entremés is a short comedic play or interlude that was popular during the Spanish Golden Age, often performed between the acts of longer plays. These performances typically featured humorous situations, exaggerated characters, and elements of satire, providing comic relief while commenting on social issues of the time. The entremés contributed to the vibrant theatrical culture of the period and reflected the blending of different genres in Spanish theatre.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Entremés performances often included lively music and dance, enhancing their entertainment value and engaging the audience more deeply.
2. These short plays usually featured common people in humorous scenarios, allowing audiences to relate to the characters while providing social commentary.
3. While originally performed as part of longer plays, entremeses eventually gained popularity as standalone pieces and were staged independently.
4. The most famous writer of entremés was Miguel de Cervantes, although many other playwrights contributed to this genre during the Golden Age.
5. Entremeses played a crucial role in shaping the overall structure of Spanish theatre by creating a distinct separation between serious dramatic works and lighter entertainment.

Review Questions

• How did entremés contribute to the overall theatrical experience during the Spanish Golden Age?
  • Entremés enhanced the theatrical experience by providing comic relief between serious acts in longer plays. This blend allowed audiences to enjoy a more varied performance that combined drama with humor. The comedic elements not only entertained but also offered commentary on societal issues, making the entire performance more engaging and relatable.
• In what ways did Lope de Vega and Calderón de la Barca influence the development of entremés during the Spanish Golden Age?
  • Lope de Vega and Calderón de la Barca greatly influenced Spanish theatre, including the entremés genre. Lope's innovative approach to playwriting paved the way for integrating various elements like humor within serious contexts, which influenced how entremeses were structured. Calderón's focus on deeper themes also encouraged playwrights to explore more complex characters in their entremeses, enriching the overall quality of these short plays.
• Evaluate the significance of entremés in reflecting social issues of its time and its impact on later theatrical forms.
  • Entremés served as a mirror to society by addressing social issues through humor, making them accessible to a broad audience. By using satire and exaggerated characters, these short plays highlighted cultural norms and social critiques that resonated with viewers. The influence of entremés can be seen in later theatrical forms that incorporate comedy into serious narratives, showcasing its lasting impact on how humor is integrated into storytelling across various genres.

Related terms

Lope de Vega: A prominent playwright and poet of the Spanish Golden Age, known for revolutionizing Spanish theatre with his prolific output and the creation of the 'comedia nueva' format.

Calderón de la Barca: A notable Spanish playwright and poet whose works often combined themes of honor, love, and religion, contributing to the evolution of Spanish drama alongside Lope de Vega.

comedia: A general term used for various forms of theatrical works during the Spanish Golden Age, including tragedies and comedies, which were characterized by their complex characters and intricate plots.