Explore this Show
Overview
Synopsis
From the Golden Age of Spanish drama, Fuenteovejuna documents the motivations behind the murder of Fernando Gomez de Guzman, the Chief Commander of the Order of the Calatrava. Basing the play on an actual historical event, Lope de Vega dramatizes the corruption of the Calatrava’s leaders and the effects of the Commander’s tyranny on the pastoral village of Fuenteovejuna (literally, “Sheepwell”). The Commander, while glorious in battle, lacks moral character and routinely kidnaps and ravishes young women in the town. When he sets his sights on the lovely Laurencia, the mayor’s daughter and new bride of Frondoso, the town is shocked, but stands aside. When Laurenica returns, bloodied and beaten, she finally spurs the town into action against him, resulting in his murder. Even Spanish royalty become involved in the questioning of the town - and under torture, all they can learn about the Commander’s murder is: “Fuenteovejuna did it.” Often adapted to fit modern times, Fuenteovejuna is a timeless tale about people standing together against corruption, tyranny, and abuse.
Show Information
- Book
- Lope de Vega
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
- Number of Acts
- 5
- First Produced
- 1614
- Genres
- Drama, Historical/Biographical
- Settings
- Period, Multiple Settings
- Time & Place
- Spain, 1476
- Cast Size
- large
- Licensor
- None/royalty-free
- Ideal For
- Community Theatre, High School, Large Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Theatre, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Adult, Young Adult, Mature Adult, Child, Early Teen, Late Teen, Elderly Characters
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Male |
|
|
|
Lead |
Female |
|
|
|
Lead |
Male |
|
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
|
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
|
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
|
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
|
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
|
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
|
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
|
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
|
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
|
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
|
|
|
Featured |
Male |
|
|
|
Featured |
Male |
|
|
|
Featured |
Male |
|
|
|
Featured |
Male |
|
|
|
Featured |
Male |
|
|
|
Featured |
Male |
|
|
|
Ensemble |
Either Gender |
|
Songs
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
Sorry! We do not currently have terms for this guide.
Videos
Sorry! We do not currently have videos for this guide.
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
Sorry! We do not currently have learning modules for this guide.
Quote Analysis
Sorry! We do not currently have learning modules for this guide.
Guide Written By:
Cindi Calhoun
Theatre teacher, director, writer, and seamstress