Pedro Calderón de la Barca's 'La vita è un sogno': The Masterpiece of Spain's Siglo de Oro
Pedro Calderón de la Barca (1600–1681), a prominent Spanish playwright of the Golden Age, created 'La vida es sueño' ('Life Is a Dream') in 1635, after his initial auto sacramental in 1634. He dedicated himself exclusively to autos sacramentales after becoming a chaplain in 1653. The narrative delves into themes such as the dynamics between fathers and sons, the conflict between love and virtue, and the distinction between reality and illusion. King Basilio, anxious about a prophecy concerning his son Segismundo, confines him to a prison. Rosaura, in her quest for honor from Astolfo, uncovers Segismundo's tale. After a court appearance where Segismundo kills a servant, he is returned to captivity. Ultimately, he escapes, defeats Basilio, and ascends to the throne, prompting the audience to ponder the nature of reality. A 2009 Italian edition was prepared by Fausta Antonucci.
Key facts
- Pedro Calderón de la Barca lived from 1600 to 1681 and was a leading Spanish dramatist of the Siglo de Oro.
- Calderón wrote his first auto sacramental in 1634 and 'La vida es sueño' in 1635.
- Calderón became a chaplain in 1653, after which he wrote only autos sacramentales.
- Autos sacramentales were religious dramas staged on carts during Corpus Christi processions near important religious sites.
- The play's protagonist, Segismundo, is imprisoned in a mountain tower by his father, King Basilio, to prevent a prophecy.
- Basilio is described as a skilled mathematician, physicist, and astronomer who reads the stars.
- The 2009 Italian edition 'La vita è un sogno' was edited by Fausta Antonucci and published by Marsilio Editori in Venice.
- The play ends with Segismundo as king and Rosaura married to Astolfo.
Entities
Artists
- Pedro Calderón de la Barca
- Fausta Antonucci
- Stefano Brusco
- Basilio
- Segismundo
- Rosaura
- Clotaldo
- Astolfo
- Estrella
Institutions
- Marsilio Editori
- Artspecialday
- MIfacciodicultura
Locations
- Spain
- Venice
- Italy