The Andalusian theater and its artists in Buenos Aires. Work, gender and Atlantic connections in the mid-19th century

Abstract

This article adresses the theatrical field as a work space and, in particular, a female work place in the mid-19th century. By following the trajectory of some theater companies or actors and actresses that toured between the city of Cádiz and the city of Buenos Aires, this research approaches that artistic activity with questions about migrant work experiences, work contracts, payment and notions of rights and duties established with the employer in the different places where they committed their work. The attraction that zarzuela generated among the South American public – a theatrical piece of Spanish origin that included sung, recited and instrumental parts – could have functioned as an incentive for different Spanish dramatic casts dedicated to that genre to arrive. This paper plans to investigate the theater scene that was consolidated in the city of Buenos Aires in the years after the Battle of Caseros (1852), to distinguish which were the existing theater establishments, what different shows exhibited what considerations about these actresses and their scene partners were covered in the local press and how restrictive access was. Was it possible for workers to attend these plays? Were there different experiences for men and women as spectators? Through an analysis of diverse documentary collections – population censuses, periodical press, municipal documentation of Buenos Aires and Cádiz – this paper plans to address these questions and open new ones to connect worlds of work in an Atlantic key.