Bartolome de Torres Naharro was a Spanish playwright, poet, and theorist who is considered one of the pioneers of Spanish theater during the Renaissance period. He was born in Talavera de la Reina, Spain, in the early 16th century, and little is known about his early life.
Naharro is most well-known for his influential work "Propaladia," which is considered the first complete treatise on the art of comedy in Spanish literature. It was published in 1517 and provides a comprehensive guide on the structure, characters, and themes of comedic plays. The work was highly regarded and helped to shape the development of Spanish theater.
Naharro's plays were written in verse and explored various themes, including love, honor, and social issues. His works were characterized by vivid dialogue, quick-paced action, and an emphasis on wit and wordplay. Naharro also introduced a novel form of music drama called "Comedias Mitológicas," which incorporated elements of classical mythology into the Spanish theater.
Despite his significant contributions to Spanish literature and theater, Naharro's works fell into obscurity after his death in the mid-16th century. It wasn't until the 20th century that his works were rediscovered and gained recognition as vital early examples of Spanish theater. Today, Naharro is recognized as an important figure in the development of Spanish drama and is considered one of the forerunners of the Spanish Golden Age theater.
