Description
One of the lesser-known aspects of Golden Age culture is the presence of Muslim ambassadors in theatre, not only as characters in plays but also as spectators. This proposal for applied research stems from the project Mediterranean Intercultural Diplomacy of the Spanish Monarchy (DIPLOINMED). Building on the study of theatrical and musical performances attended by Muslim ambassadors, this presentation aims to showcase the research findings and the creative process behind developing a contemporary theatrical and musical production.
The research is based on the identification of a corpus of approximately fifteen plays featuring scenes of Islamic embassies, authored by prominent figures such as Lope de Vega, Cervantes, Calderón de la Barca, and Vélez de Guevara, among others. Additionally, the study has identified the performances staged in Madrid to honour the Ottoman ambassador Ahmed Aga in 1649 and the Moroccan diplomat al-Ghassani in 1690. Both events included musical passages that have been located and analyzed.
This proposal outlines the research process, from identifying historical sources to selecting and adapting plays for modern production. The contemporary performance interweaves original theatrical excerpts with musical interventions, highlighting the roles attributed to ambassadors in the cultural imagination of the time. These figures were portrayed as comedic frauds, malicious enemies, or respected authorities, reflecting a range of perspectives that provide a lens to reexamine the relationships between the Spanish Monarchy and Muslim powers from a decolonial perspective within the Mediterranean context.
The project combines academic rigour with artistic creativity, offering adaptability from a minimalist format (two actors and a guitarist) to a full-scale production with a complete theatrical company. This interdisciplinary endeavour demonstrates how historical research can be transformed into performances that engage contemporary audiences, fostering a critical and enriching perspective on our Mediterranean heritage.
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