An Eye on Race

Perspectives from Theater in Imperial Spain

John Beusterien

2006
228 pages
$40.00
ISBN 0-8387-5614-X
LC 2005032572

In the seventeenth century two theaters were constructed in Madrid any were built not only in urban centers across the Iberian Peninsula, but also in the colonial territories of America. A national theater is crucial for understanding Spain's march into modernity, especially with respect to one of modernity's most criticized legacies: race. This study argues that comprehending and disassembling race in the contemporary West must take into account its manifestation in theater in imperial Spain.

Cultural and literary critics, historians, anthropologists, and sociologists who study race will welcome this provocative and cogent contribution. In particular, scholars in Hispanic Studies will appreciate John Beusterien's exhaustive research of original sources and his fresh approach to the period.


There is no question that this polemical work will energize discussions on how to study the culture of imperial Spain...In addition to works by Lope and Calderon, this critic also includes analyses of works by lesser-known playwrights such as Claramonte and Enciso. Beusterien has produced a pioneering work that will trigger much discussion--Frederick de Armas, Andrew W. Mellon Professor, University of Chicago

About the author:

John Beusterien has published articles addressing the question of race, anti-Semitism, and theater in imperial Spain and is editor of Lope de Vega's play El prodigio de Etiopia. He is Associate Professor of Spanish in the Department of Classical and Modern Languages and Literatures at Texas Tech University.