New podcast episode out now: Interview with Helen Freear-Papio and Candyce Crew Leonard "The Theatre of Twenty-First Century Spain"

Exploring the Complexities of Contemporary Spanish Theater: A New Podcast Episode

We are excited to announce the release of a new podcast episode on the New Books Network, featuring an in-depth discussion about the recently published bilingual collection, "The Theatre of Twenty-First Century Spain / El teatro de España del siglo XXI." This enlightening episode, part of our collaboration with New Books Network, delves into the vibrant and challenging landscape of contemporary Spanish theater.

In Conversation with the Editors

In this episode, our host Dessy Vassileva engages with the book's editors, Helen Freear-Papio from the College of the Holy Cross and Candyce Crew Leonard from Wake Forest University. Both editors bring a wealth of knowledge and passion for Spanish theater, sharing their backgrounds and the pivotal moments that shaped their academic journeys. They discuss how the influence of mentors and the magazine "Estreno" significantly impacted their research and scholarly pursuits.

Themes of Identity and Social Urgencies

"The Theatre of Twenty-First Century Spain" presents nine meticulously researched essays that explore the myriad social immediacies affecting Spain today. The editors highlight how identifying, naming, and belonging provide a sense of rational order and rootedness within societies, yet this order can collapse, threatening stability. As Spain marks its fifth decade as a fully democratic nation, it continues to grapple with its traumatic past, resulting in an identity that remains unfocused and disorganized.

Key Topics Explored

The essays cover a wide range of pressing issues, including non-heteronormative gender identity, the phenomenon of "fake news," female self-agency and authorship, violence against women, and the need for justice for erased and repressed family histories. These topics are examined through the lens of contemporary Spanish theater, demonstrating how the art form addresses complex social issues and reflects the tensions within current Spanish society.

Central to the discussion is the role of theater in addressing immigration, unemployment, gender violence, LGBTQ+ rights, and the historical memory of the Spanish Civil War and the Franco dictatorship. The editors propose that theater is an effective medium for capturing the immediacy of these problems and for fostering dialogue about identity and social change.

Tune in to This New Podcast Episode

We invite you to tune in to this engaging podcast episode to gain a deeper understanding of the complex and dynamic world of contemporary Spanish theater. Listen as Helen Freear-Papio and Candyce Crew Leonard share their expertise and perspectives on how theater continues to be a powerful tool for social commentary and change.

Listen to the full episode on the New Books Network and explore the rich tapestry of themes and discussions presented in "The Theatre of Twenty-First Century Spain" / El teatro de España del siglo XXI."

For more information about the book, visit its page here.

Title The Theatre of Twenty-First Century Spain / El teatro de España del siglo XXI [Hardback]
Subtitle Identities, Anxieties, and Social Immediacies / Identidades, ansiedades e urgencias sociales
Edition 1st
ISBN 978-1-64889-480-0
Published in September 2022