Designed for 'An' Experience: The Natural Architecture of the Corrales (2010)

Step right up and take a journey back in time to the world of Spanish theater in the early modern era. The playhouses of this period were more than just stages for actors to strut their stuff; they were hotbeds of creative energy that produced a host of "happenings" that engaged and excited audiences like never before.

But what exactly is a “happening”? According to art theorist Allan Kaprow, it's an immersive experience that engages all senses and creates a complete and meaningful experience for the spectator. And that's precisely what Spanish theater was all about in those days.

The magic of these playhouses was that they played to the "humblest and most personal experiences" of both actors and audience members alike, as scholar McKendrick notes. And this article takes a closer look at how the structure of these theaters contributed to a holistic theatrical experience that inspired everyone involved.

By examining the interdependence of the various parts of the theater, from the actors to the playwrights to the audience members, this article shows how the corral's intrinsic structure was vital in creating an immersive experience that engaged all the senses. And by doing so, it enhanced the individual perceptions of each audience member, making for an unforgettable theatrical event.

“Designed For An Experience: The Natural Architecture of Corrales.” Comedia Performance, vol. 7, no. 1, 2010, pp. 168-97.