Bodas de Sangre: When Destiny and Tragedy Conquest Love

Schimmel/Conrades Science Center 163

Early 20th century events, including Spain’s political and economic crisis and the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) motivated the development of artistic and literary movements that inspired many Spanish artists and writers of the time. These literary developments also had a great influence in both European and American art manifestations and culture. The theatrical play "Bodas de Sangre" (1933), by Federico Garcia Lorca, is part of the rural trilogy that reflects Andalusian lifestyle and traditions, and incorporates elements of the gypsy identity, Flamenco dance and Greek tragedy. This audiovisual presentation explores the influence of early 20th century literary and artistic movements in Lorca’s work, and examines from a critical and analytical perspective how his narrative reflects Spain’s social, economic and political panorama. Additionally, it summarizes our learning experience in Chicago, where we visited the “Modern Art Collection” at the Art Institute of Chicago and the “2016 Chicago Flamenco Festival” organized by the Cervantes Institute.