Costume for El Amor Brujo on the Centenary of its Premiere by Antonia Mercé

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to determine the essential aspects of the stage costumes created during the conception (1915) and theatrical consolidation (1925) of Manuel de Falla’s El amor brujo. For this purpose, a study of the libretto followed by a dramaturgical analysis that focuses on the character descriptions is essential, in order to compare this material with the documented drafts and costumes. Furthermore, it aims to bring consideration to stage and costume designers such as Néstor Martín Fernández or Gustavo Bacarisas. Their contributions were very relevant for the development of the Spanish stage situation during the first years of the 20th century. Another key figure in this whole process was the dancer and impresario Antonia Mercé, responsible for the readaptation of El amor brujo in 1925. Her correspondence and documents give a highly valuable information about the costumes that were finally designed.