Entre Juan Moreira y Osvaldo Dragúnmito, parodia y teatro popular

Abstract

One of the most relevant plays in the history of Argentine theatre is Juan Moreira, first premiered by Hermanos Podestá in 1884. This study explores the reasons for the canonization of the play, considered to be at the core of the origins of Argentinian theatre and the national idea of theatre, taking into account both the text and its performance and, at the same time, the legacy of this play throughout the twentieth century. The author also analyzes a parodic version of the play, Hoy se comen al flaco, in which the Argentinian playwright Osvaldo Dragún rewrites Juan Moreira to reflect on the theatrical tradition and the sociopolitical situation of Argentina. Hoy se comen al flaco, written in 1977, premiered as part of Teatro Abierto in 1983. Thus, its creation and staging took place during one of the most repressive times in the history of Argentina, the last military dictatorship, the so-called Proceso de Reorganización Nacional (1976–1983). This article discusses Dragún’s proposal within this context as well as the reasons that led this playwright to return to the mythical Argentine gaucho and to the circo criollo as a space for expression and popular encounter.