The Digital Humanities and the redefinition of Golden Age theatrical canon

Abstract

In response to the growing importance given to matters of diversity and representation in artistic and entertainment communities, both cultural and academic institutions with ties to the Spanish Golden Age of drama are seeking new ways to address these new interests in their selection of plays to be read and performed. This effort is not without its challenges, since it means confronting a long and entrenched tradition of focusing on a relatively small collection of comedias that with time have reached canonical status. Moreover, it is never easy to establish new parameters when seeking to revising any canon in a transparent and easy-to-communicate way. This article illustrates the potential of Digital Humanities as a resource in developing new ways scholars as well as the general public can read and interact with the dramatic works of Golden Age Spain. To that end, the text examines a range of projects and initiatives related not only to early modern Iberian theatre but also to other contemporary European dramatic cultures (in particular Shakespearean England) that suggest refreshing new perspectives from which the plays of Lope de Vega, Calderón and their contemporaries can be engaged.