“Imagine the roar of the crowd” a whisper from the past. Here before us stands a simple plaque. It marks the site of the Corral de comedias de la Cruz. This unassuming marker speaks volumes. It tells a tale of laughter passion and unforgettable drama.
The Corral de comedias de la Cruz was one of Madrid’s most popular theaters. For over two centuries it pulsed with life. The greatest playwrights of Spain’s Golden Age graced its stage. Lope de Vega Calderon de la Barca and Tirso de Molina all premiered their masterpieces here.
Picture this: 1584. The Corral de comedias de la Cruz bursts onto the scene. Nobles and even kings mingled with the common folk. They came to witness the magic unfold. The very air crackled with anticipation. Plays lasted for hours sometimes six. There was no intermission no break from the spell. The audience was divided by gender and social class. Men in the courtyard women in the balconies.
Lope de Vega the master playwright had a tumultuous relationship with the Corral de comedias de la Cruz. In 1587 he was even arrested there. His crime recounting the love affair of his former lover. The penalty eight years of exile from Madrid. King Felipe IV was a frequent attendee. He loved the theater’s vibrant energy and unparalleled talent.
The Corral de comedias de la Cruz wasn’t just a stage. It was a living breathing organism. It was a hub for creativity controversy and captivating performances. The building underwent several renovations. Filippo Juvarra an Italian architect designed plans for a grand expansion. After his death Pedro de Ribera took over. The theater’s capacity increased to 1500 spectators. It hosted famous premieres such as Moratin’s El si de las niñas and Zorrilla’s Don Juan Tenorio.
But time marches on. The Corral de comedias de la Cruz’s glory days faded. It was declared an eyesore. It was demolished in 1859. Only this plaque now remains a lasting tribute. It stands as a testament to the Corral de comedias de la Cruz’s enduring legacy. A legacy etched in the hearts and minds of Madrid.