A Dreamer for the People:

Drama histórico en el que Buero Vallejo rescata la figura de Esquilache.

It is a historical drama where Buero Vallejo salvages the figure of Esquilache.

Una obra teatral donde se indaga en la figura del ministro italiano de Carlos III que acabó desterrado tras el famoso motín que llevaba su nombre.

A theatrical work that delves into the figure of the Italian minister of Carlos III who ended up exiled after the famous riot that bore his name.

Una obra que profundiza en los motivos del motín y que salva la figura del italiano.

A work that deepens the reasons for the riot and saves the figure of the Italian.

En el texto se critican ciertos males históricos del pueblo español pues se muestran sus debilidades y sus flaquezas, mientras que a Esquilache se le presenta como a un héroe, si bien, desde una perspectiva muy humana.

In the text, certain historical ills of the Spanish people are criticized as their weaknesses and shortcomings are shown, while Esquilache is presented as a hero, albeit from a very human perspective.

Se realiza un buen retrato del personaje, acorde a su época.

A good portrayal of the character is made, in accordance with his time.

Esquilache representa el ideal del auténtico ilustrado, él también trabaja bajo la doctrina del "todo para el pueblo pero sin el pueblo" pero no porque crea que el pueblo no puede, sino porque cree que todavía está en su minoría de edad.

Esquilache represents the ideal of the true enlightened one. He also works under the doctrine of "everything for the people but without the people" but not because he believes that the people cannot, but because he believes that they are still in their minority.

Esquilache, pese a su infortunio, termina al final de la obra representando la ilusión y la esperanza.

Esquilache, despite his misfortune, ends up representing illusion and hope at the end of the work.

A diferencia de otras obras como Historia de una escalera, aquí, Buero deja un resquicio para la esperanza.

Unlike other works such as Historia de una escalera, here, Buero leaves a crack for hope.

A pesar de la crueldad y del egoísmo, y pesar de que los sueños queden siempre mal parados hay que seguir trabajando en pos de la libertad y de los grandes ideales.

Despite the cruelty and selfishness, and despite the fact that dreams are always poorly placed, one must continue to work towards freedom and great ideals.

Destaco finalmente, que el personaje de Fernandita representa de forma simbólica al pueblo español que Esquilache espera ver algún día pues Fernandita, pese a sus debilidades y a sus bajas pasiones, se muestra al final de libro, como una mujer fuerte capaz de resistir aquello que la pueda corromper.

I finally highlight that the character of Fernandita symbolically represents the Spanish people that Esquilache hopes to see one day because Fernandita, despite her weaknesses and her low passions, shows herself at the end of the book as a strong woman capable of resisting that which could corrupt her.

Después de leer esta obra me gustaría investigar más sobre el tema para ahondar en las figuras de Esquilache y de Ensenada y saber quién movía verdaderamente los hilos tras el motín.

After reading this work, I would like to investigate more about the topic to deepen the figures of Esquilache and Ensenada and know who was really pulling the strings behind the riot.

Estrenada en 1958 en el Teatro Español de Madrid y publicada en 1959, “Un soñador para un pueblo” es una obra de teatro ambientada en el Madrid del siglo XVIII. Esta obra escenifica las revueltas populares promovidas y alentadas por los ministros más conservadores de Carlos III para expulsar al ministro Esquilache, originario de Italia, con ideas progresistas muy mal acogidas por la oligarquía española.

A nivel formal, “Un soñador para un pueblo” supuso un enriquecimiento de las formas dramáticas en España. Al experimentar con los espacios y el tiempo, disponía la escena en varios planos que permitían acciones simultáneas y rompía con la linealidad de los acontecimientos.

El tema del motín de Esquilache conecta perfectamente con la situación política actual y con las vivencias del autor en pleno franquismo. Invita a reflexionar y a desenmascarar la mentira que se agazapa en toda sociedad dominada por la injusticia, la censura y la represión. Antonio Buero Vallejo vivía inmerso en esa sociedad y nosotros la hemos heredado. Sus denuncias, su conciencia crítica y su lucha por una expresión libre son aún muy vigentes, ya que es muy constatable cómo determinados poderes, aferrados a sus intereses y privilegios, dificultan el cambio por el bien común. Así lo hicieron en el siglo XVIII, como retrata la obra, y lo han seguido haciendo en diferentes momentos históricos.

Con todo, en “Un soñador para un pueblo” hay un mensaje de esperanza. Tal vez necesitamos a más de un soñador y más apoyo popular para esos soñadores. Solo así podremos avanzar hacia una sociedad más justa y libre.

Sígueme en:

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Cuando un gobernante ilustrado pretende reformar un sistema social atrasado, enfrenta una fortísima resistencia.

Not only from the most privileged under the old system but also from sectors of the common people.

In this historical work, Antonio Buero Vallejo presents on the stage the "Motín de Esquilache" of 1766.

The revolt that put an end to the reforms of the marqués de Esquilache, the then powerful secretary of the treasury of King Carlos III of Spain.

Condemning the country to remain in inefficient absolutism with which it would have to face the enormous challenges of the end of the 18th century - the French Revolution, the revolutions in America, etc.

The work has a lot of movement and strongly delineated characters, starting with the historical figures of Leopoldo de Gregorio, marqués de Esquilache, King Carlos III, and the marqués de Ensenada.

To represent the people, Buero has created the very memorable characters of the honest servant and half in love with Esquilache, Fernandita; her suitor, the water carrier Bernardo; a blind man who predicts the future, and others.

Esquilache was a foreigner (Italian) and of plebeian origin, two reasons for suspicion among the aristocracy.

According to the work, he was very cultured, intelligent, and honest, but very tired from all the conflicts and his age (66 years when the mutiny arose in March 1766).

I liked the work for the strong presentations of these characters, and as a way to learn more about the history of Spain and the causes of its immobility in that era.

It was the way in which Buero, very critical of the government of Francisco Franco, could circumvent the censorship of the regime to invite the public to reflect on absolutism, freedoms, and the pretensions of reforms for the people but without the people.

Una obra tardía de Buero Vallejo es una pieza teatral que presenta una perspectiva única sobre la figura del ilustrado Esquilache. Esta obra consta de dos actos, en lugar de los tres iniciales, y se desarrolla en una clave épica. Aquí, Buero Vallejo examina a Esquilache con un escepticismo diferente, explorando su trayectoria desde la miseria hasta el presunto esplendor.

En la obra, se muestra cómo Esquilache, a pesar de sus aspiraciones y esfuerzos, encuentra obstáculos y desafíos en su camino. Su búsqueda de gloria y reconocimiento no siempre es sencilla, y se ven afectados por las circunstancias y las decisiones de los demás.

La representación de Esquilache en esta obra tardía de Buero Vallejo ofrece una reflexión profunda sobre la naturaleza humana, la ambición y el precio que se paga por el éxito. A través de la narración épica y el tratamiento escepticismo, el autor invita al público a cuestionar y reflexionar sobre estos temas, y a comprender la complejidad de la vida de este personaje histórico.

3.5⭐
The plot hooked me from the very first moment when I picked up this historical drama by Buero Vallejo.

On the other hand, the psychology of the characters is very well constructed, as is the final twist that the story has.

It's truly remarkable how the author manages to bring the characters to life and make the readers or viewers fully engage with their emotions and experiences.

The historical context is also presented in a vivid and detailed manner, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative.

Overall, I would rate it as one of the Spanish classics that I have most enjoyed.

It not only provides entertainment but also offers valuable insights into the human condition and the historical period it portrays.

I would highly recommend this drama to anyone who has an interest in Spanish literature or historical dramas.

One of the best works of Buero Vallejo is a historical drama, energetic, about the times of enlightened despotism, with the Esquilache Mutiny of 1766 as the central point. Although it opens a window to the lights and shadows of an 18th-century world (of a Spain), it is able to transfer our human and political conflicts to that remote space of timelessness (in the good sense). It is never, never, effective, even in its symbolism and despite the fact that the talent of his literature allows it more than enough. It always radiographs us from the equidistance of the narrator and does not lecture, and of course, even in this work that focuses on the Marquis of Esquilache (minister of Charles III), it listens with equal attention and respect to the "most people": to women, to the poor, to those who lived in the greatest ostracism of their times.

Moreover, this drama not only presents a vivid picture of the historical events but also delves deep into the human nature and the social contradictions of that era. The characters are vividly portrayed, and their actions and decisions are influenced by the complex historical background and their own beliefs and desires. Through this work, we can better understand the past and draw lessons from it for our present and future.

In conclusion, Buero Vallejo's this historical drama is a masterpiece that combines historical authenticity with artistic innovation. It not only provides us with a wonderful literary enjoyment but also makes us think about the important issues of human society and history.

A historical drama by Buero Vallejo that has surprised me due to the psychology of its characters and because I have learned things about a historical period that I knew almost nothing. "Long live Esquilache, death to the king!" This drama offers a fascinating exploration of the human psyche within a specific historical context. The characters are complex and multi-dimensional, their actions and decisions driven by a range of emotions and motives. Through their stories, we gain a deeper understanding of the political and social upheavals of that time. It is not just a tale of historical events but a study of how people are affected by them. The phrase "Viva Esquilache, muera el rey!" adds an element of drama and passion, highlighting the conflicts and tensions that existed. Overall, this drama is a captivating and educational experience that has broadened my knowledge and appreciation of history and human nature.

Buero Vallejo is one of the best Spanish playwrights in history. Among the themes he explored, his historical works are of particular interest. This one specifically narrates the history of the Esquilache Mutiny with brilliant precision and truthfulness. As always, he throws profound social messages under a veil of possibility. Good characters, an agile rhythm, and a complex plot that turn this work into a great read.

His historical plays offer a unique perspective on the past, allowing readers to gain a deeper understanding of the events and the people who lived through them. The Esquilache Mutiny was a significant event in Spanish history, and Buero Vallejo's portrayal of it is both engaging and thought-provoking.

The characters in this play are well-developed and multi-dimensional, making them relatable and interesting. The agile rhythm keeps the story moving forward at a brisk pace, while the complex plot adds depth and intrigue. Overall, this work is a testament to Buero Vallejo's skill as a playwright and his ability to bring history to life on the page.