The politics of mexican theater
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Transcript of The politics of mexican theater
1. The Politics of Mexican Theater
By Ben Acosta
2. Introduction
In the style of Roman theater, Mexican theater is by history and
politics. Play writers would use Aztec history to point out the
mistreatment of the mestizo(mixture of Indian and European) class
by the criollos ( of European decent). Other figures like
Maximillian were used as martyrs. The plays would usually end with
a bloody conclusion.
3. Xicotencatl & Tlahuicole
Tlahuicole, the Otomi warrior refused to obey Montezuma IIs offer
of mercy and was sent to the gladiatorial ring. Xicotencatl was a
Tlaxcalan warrior who rebelled against Cortez when he ordered
Xicotencatl to attack the Aztecs and was hanged.
These two men are seen as heroes in Mexican culture. Xicotencatl is
used to illustrate the mistreatment by the criollos. Plays and
books incite his name to enforce ideas.
4. Mateos and Riva Palacio
Mateos and Riva Palacio co-wrote fifteen dramas and comic political
sketch's. The issues surrounded matters of independence,
colonization, and religious zealotry. Their plays have become a
foundation in theatrical thinking in Mexico.
5. Quetzalcoatl
Quetzalcoatl, published in 1878 is a play about a Aztec love
triangle between Xochitl, a Aztec princess; her lover,
Quetzalcoatl; and a Aztec military leader, Huitzilopochtli. In the
play both Quetzalcoatl is poisoned and becomes the morning star. He
returns to Xochitl and gives herthe remaining characters a golden
cross. The play ends with a image of a snake covered with serpent
feathers holding a gold cross whose base is covered with Jewry. The
message of the play interprets the marriage of the Old World and
the New World, the image of the snake represents Mexico the
offspring of this marriage.
6. The End