Description
During the Spanish Restoration, a stable political climate and favorable social and cultural conditions facilitated the rise of children's opera and lyric theater companies, composed of young performers specializing in musical and theatrical genres such as zarzuela, operetta, and other productions specifically adapted to youthful voices. Notable Spanish directors of these companies included Bosch, who led his company on successful tours through France and Italy, as well as the entrepreneur Jiménez, known for producing and premiering a diverse repertoire in both Spain and the Americas. Similarly, Lambertini gained recognition for staging operettas with young performers, organizing tours across various provinces, and collaborating with local groups.
The phenomenon also included American-based companies that toured Spain, further enriching this transatlantic cultural exchange, with El Pinar Children's Company from Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, representing a significant case study. These companies showcased their talent in a wide range of venues, from private residences to prestigious theaters such as the Teatro de la Zarzuela and the Teatro Español, presenting adapted repertoires and original productions that captivated diverse audiences.
This research investigates the internal structure, repertoire choices, and educational practices implemented by these companies, highlighting how this phenomenon transcended geographical and cultural boundaries. Likewise, it examines the ethical and social implications of children's participation in extensive tours, along with the legal and custodial challenges they faced during that period.
A methodology combining critical analysis of contemporary newspaper chronicles, theater programs, specialized repertoires, and archival documentation allows for a detailed reconstruction of these companies' trajectories and an evaluation of their reception in different cultural contexts.
The results highlight the significance of these companies in the professionalization of young artists and the enrichment of the lyric-dramatic tradition, whose legacy contributed to the consolidation of a transatlantic cultural bridge.
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