El teatro en La Paz a fines del siglo XVIII y el proyecto de la Ilustración

Abstract

We have very little information about the theatrical practice in La Paz at the end of the 18th century. I intend to give an account of some findings related to this matter, while showing, based on the avalaible data, that this activity was linked to the expectations of the enlightened elites, who considered theatre, along with school, as a means of education. Through the theatre they sought to inculcate good taste and decorum, and to orient the people's conduct towards virtue and obedience to authority. Precisely, it will be able to see examples that show this intention, in particular a theatrical piece composed in La Paz in 1786. This will be put into dialogue with two writings destined for education, coming from the pen of Archbishop José Antonio de San Alberto in the 1780s, inspired by the fidelist regalism of Bossuet. Likewise, the harmony of both genres can be observed with poem that integrated the popular celebrations of La Paz on the occasion of the oath to the captive King Fernando VII in 1808.