Entremés facts for kids
Entremés was a super fun and short play from old Spain. Imagine going to see a long, serious play in the 1500s or 1600s. During the break, a quick, funny show called an Entremés would pop up! It was like a mini-comedy snack in the middle of a big meal.
These short plays usually had just one act. They were made to make people laugh and relax before the main show continued. Later on, this type of play changed and became known as the sainete.
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What Was an Entremés Like?
At first, Entremés plays could be written in either regular prose (like a story) or in verse (poetry) (like a poem). But a writer named Luis Quiñones de Benavente (who lived from about 1600 to 1650) helped make the rules for these plays. After his time, almost all Entremés plays were written in verse.
Who Were the Characters?
The characters in an Entremés were usually everyday people. Think about farmers, shopkeepers, or servants. They weren't kings or queens! These plays often made fun of common habits or jobs. They used satire to gently tease how people lived. This was a great way to talk about things that couldn't be shown in the more serious main plays.
Did Entremés Plays Have Music?
Yes, sometimes! Some Entremés performances included songs. These songs were so popular that they helped create a whole new type of musical play called the tonadilla. So, the Entremés wasn't just about acting; it also helped shape Spanish music.
Famous Entremés Writers
Many important writers from Spain's "Golden Age" wrote Entremés plays. Some of the most well-known authors include:
- Miguel de Cervantes (who wrote Don Quixote)
- Francisco de Quevedo
- Luis Quiñones de Benavente
- Luis Vélez de Guevara
- Pedro Calderón de la Barca
These writers helped make the Entremés a popular and important part of Spanish theater history.
See also
In Spanish: Entremés para niños
- Baile (Spanish play)
- entremet
- Spanish Enlightenment literature § Theater
