Contents

Acknowledgements 7

Preface 9

List of Illustrations 10

Introduction 11

Chapter 1 Catalan Theatrical Life: 1939-1993

Enric Gallén 19

The Agrupació Dramàtica de Barcelona 22

The Escola d'Art Dramàtic Adrià Gual and Committed Theatre 24

The Final Years of the Franco Regime 27

The Emergence of Resident Companies after the End of Francoism . . .29

Success Stories of the 1980s 35

The Future 37

Chapter 2 Drama and Society

RodolfSirera

(with a supplement on Josep Lluís & Rodolf Sirera by John London) 43

Joan Oliver 44

Salvador Espriu 47

Josep Maria Benet i Jornet 51

Jordi Teixidor 57

Josep Lluís & Rodolf Sirera 60

Chapter 3 Avant-Garde Drama

David George & John London 73

Joan Brossa 73

Manuel de Pedrolo 83

Llorenç Villalonga & Baltasar Porcel 89

Sergi Belbel 91

Chapter 4 Performance Groups in Catalonia

Mercè Saumell 103

The Independent Theatre (1960-1980) 103

Links with International Theatre 105

Mime 106

Ritsaert ten Gate 107

The Nancy Festival and North-American Companies 107

Other European Groups 108

The 1980s 108

Els Joglars 109

Comediants 113

Dagoll-Dagom 117

Sèmola Teatre 118

La Fura dels Baus 118

El Trickle & Vol.Ras 123

La Cubana 124

Zotal 126

Bibliography of Catalan Drama Translated into English 129

Index 133