El actor (calderoniano) a oscuras

Abstract

The essay explores the use of darkness and illumination in comedic and theatrical contexts, drawing parallels between a scene from "The Marx Brothers' Conflict" and conventions in Golden Age theater, particularly Calderonian drama. It discusses how the absence of visual cues during a blackout scene in "The Marx Brothers' Conflict" could have hindered comedic effect but also how it aligns with conventions where audiences are guided by dialogue and sound effects. Drawing from Ruano de la Haza's observations on theatrical staging, the essay highlights the importance of audience comprehension amid technical limitations, a principle echoed in Calderón's works where lighting cues often carry symbolic weight.