A question arises as you gaze upon this plaque: Who was Maru00eda Lejárraga? The Maru00eda Lejárraga Plaque commemorates a truly remarkable woman. It marks the house where she lived. This plaque serves as a reminder of her significant contributions. It stands at number 18 on Calle Manuela Malasaña.
Maru00eda de la O Lejárraga García was born in 1874. She died in 1974. She was a prolific writer and a committed feminist. She even served as a deputy for Granada in 1933. The Maru00eda Lejárraga Plaque honors her legacy.
Lejárraga was an intellectual. She was a translator. She was an author of successful theatrical works. Her work included novels, books of poetry, and political essays. In 1899, she published her first book. It was titled Cuentos breves. Notably, this was the only work she signed with her own name.
In 1900, Maru00eda married Gregorio Martínez Sierra. After that, she made a significant decision. She chose to conceal her name. She signed her works with her husband’s name instead. Later, she revealed her collaboration. This happened with the publication of her autobiographical book Gregorio y yo. Economic needs drove this decision. It cast doubt on the authorship of their literary works.
From 1931 onward, her works appeared under the name Maru00eda Martínez Sierra. She maintained this name until her death in Buenos Aires in 1974. The Maru00eda Lejárraga Plaque prompts reflection.
Lejárraga’s words resonate even today. She wrote about women’s silence. They were taught that resignation was a virtue. They feared male violence. They were conditioned to be submissive. Centuries of enslavement had shaped their souls.
The Historical Library of Madrid preserves nearly 100 works. These are by and about the Martínez Sierra couple. The collection includes translations, prologues, and biographies. Gregorio Martínez Sierra donated some of these items. Others came from Public Libraries.
The installation of the Maru00eda Lejárraga Plaque aimed to address an imbalance. Madrid has over 300 plaques. Most of them commemorate men. Only a small number recognize women. The goal is to inspire young girls. They might pass by, wonder who she was, and discover her story.
Lejárraga grew up in Carabanchel. There, she was a neighbor of the Martínez Sierra family. She and Gregorio were raised in families without much money. They merged their lives and their names. Sadly, the man’s name overshadowed hers.
Beyond her literary achievements, Lejárraga was a political activist. She was a socialist propagandist. She served as a deputy during the Second Republic. The Maru00eda Lejárraga Plaque stands as a symbol. It represents her fight for equality.
Her play, Canción de cuna, premiered in 1911. It received an award from the Real Academia Española. It was recognized as the best theatrical work. At least 20 plays written by Lejárraga were staged in Madrid.
Lejárraga also collaborated with other writers. She contributed to works by Eduardo Marquina and Carlos Arniches. She wrote libretti for zarzuelas and operas. These included Las golondrinas and Margot. She worked with renowned composers. These included José María Usandizaga, Joaquín Turina, and Manuel de Falla.
She was active in feminist groups. She served as secretary of the Spanish branch. This was part of the International Woman Suffrage Alliance. She became the first president. This was for the Women’s Alliance for Civic Education in 1930.
After resigning from Parliament, she faced exile. She served the Republican government in Switzerland. Later, she lived in France, New York, and Mexico. She finally settled in Buenos Aires. She died there in poverty in 1974.
After her husband’s death, she revealed the truth. She wrote a memoir titled Gregorio y yo. In it, she provided proof of her authorship. The Maru00eda Lejárraga Plaque invites us to remember her.
Lejárraga’s story also involves a curious incident. She sent a story to Walt Disney. It was about a dog and a cat. Disney returned it. Later, he released Lady and the Tramp. The translator noted the similarities.
So, as you stand before this Maru00eda Lejárraga Plaque, remember her words. Remember her fight. Remember her legacy.