Las mujeres en los escenarios españoles (1890-1936). Estrellas, heroínas y víctimas sin saberlo

After attempting to reach an estimate, as far as is possible, of the female population on the Spanish stage between 1890 and 1936, I explore two of the contradictions that characterised this population in Spanish society at the beginning of the century. One hand, social and ideological contradiction. The female «artist», the target of accusations of “lust” and amoral “degradation” made by the country (and the national male chauvinist system) could actually be the essential main character of a process of emancipation or sexual liberation in an archaic and repressive society. Otherwise, in the artistic and aesthetic sphere, Spanish “artists” were also accused of perverting the Spanish stage. However, a minority of these women, little appreciated in their own country, could a decisive leading role in a real renewal of the Spanish (and European) stage.