The Phoenix of Madrid

A three-act comedy from the Spanish Golden Age. Plot centres on Don Pedro, a wealthy courtier, who must marry off his three headstrong young daughters, who are already romantically involved with a variety of extravagant suitors. The play has a fairly complex plot but each actor has frequent asides to the audience to explain their motivations and intentions. Poetic language with many long, lyrical passages. Has a light, satirical edge that pokes fun at the pomposity and neuroses of 17th-century aristocracy, but remains at its heart a gentle romantic comedy with a happy resolution.