Santa Juana The Opening Season in Spain (1925–26)

This article describes and analyzes the production of Santa Juana (the Spanish version of Saint Joan, translated by Julio Broutá) staged by Margarita Xirgu and her company during the 1925–26 season. The outlook of this article is informed by a number of elements that contribute to provide a holistic account of this historic production. First is the sociopolitical situation of Spain at the time, under the military dictatorship of Primo de Rivera. In more specific terms, while a brief overview of the Spanish theater scene is in order, the fundamental considerations here have to do with the personal and professional qualities of lead actress and impresario Margarita Xirgu, as well as with the technical details of the production. In addition, this article also provides a summary of the critical reception of Santa Juana in the Spanish press.