Los espacios del cuerpo femenino en la Comedia a la gloriosa Magdalena de Juan de Cigorondo y La lealtad americana de Fernando Gavila

Abstract

This article will deal with two dramatic works of the vice regal period: Comedy to

the glorious Magdalene by Juan de Cigorondo (1560-1611); and The American loyalty of Fernando Gavila (1764-1830).

In examining both pieces my focus will be on the spaces of the female body of their respective protagonists: how they move, where they can access, how they are treated, how their sexuality is regulated, how acceptable to them their relationship with spatialities is: Does they question it, subscribe it? My objective is to analyze the links of the bodies of Magdalena and Camila with the symbols of both spiritual power (Magdalena in relation to divinity) and political power (Camila’s connection with the Spanish sovereign). Since, in both cases, the sites are structured hierarchically, and considering that, in the viceroyalty, the hierarchies have a cosmic character, establishing their spatial links will also involve establishing their location not only socially, but in relation to the whole of creation.

The theoretical framework of my study of the two vice regal dramas

mentioned follows the path marked by the reflections of Henri Lefebvre. According to Lefebvre, space is not simply a homogeneous dimension ready for its appropriation and exercise, but it must be considered a construct historically formed and determined by the economic relations in which man carries out his life. From this theoretical perspective I will carry out my reading of the dramatic pieces of Cigorondo and Gavila. 

Keywords:

Viceregal theatre

Spatiality

Female body