An Approach to the Theatre of Xesc Forteza

Abstract

Twenty-five years have passed since the death of Francesc Forteza, popularly known in Mallorca as Xesc Forteza or, simply, Xesc. He was the first actor in the company that bore his name and for which he very often wrote the plays they staged. The months when he was not acting were spent on writing the piece that would open at Christmas, usually at the Saló Rialto or the Teatre Principal in Palma de Mallorca. Until now, nobody had attempted to examine his theatrical production. But with this study, we will have the first critical reading of his work and an insight into the context in which it was produced. The ready abandonment of tragedy and dedication to comedy, the portrait of the wealthy middle classes and their servants; the (self-)censored plays and the most libertarian and politically incorrect works written during the period of Spanish democracy; priests, thieves, police officers, women, homosexuals, nuns or immigrants, the approaches that work and are repeated, and the everpresent audience’s laughter.