María Martínez Sierra: A Great Playwright Hidden in Plain Sight

This collection highlights the significant works of María Martínez Sierra, shedding light on her contributions as a prominent female playwright of the early 20th century.

The plays of María Martínez Sierra gained significant popularity across Spain, South America, and in English-speaking regions like Broadway and London's West End during the early 20th century. Initially, many believed these works were authored by her husband, the renowned director and playwright Gregorio Martínez Sierra. However, following his passing, it became clear that María was the true creator, positioning her as one of the foremost playwrights of her era.

This edited collection showcases three of María Martínez Sierra's plays, translated by the talented duo Helen and Harley Granville-Barker. The volume includes an insightful introduction by Patricia O’Connor from the University of Cincinnati, which delves into María's remarkable life and her struggle for recognition in both Spanish-speaking and English-speaking communities. The selected plays highlight strong female characters, reflecting María's commitment to portraying women's experiences and perspectives. The Granville-Barkers, whose own narrative resonates with María's fight for authorship, bring their expertise to these translations.

The plays featured in this collection are The Kingdom of God (1928), The Romantic Young Lady (1920), and Take Two From One (1931). The book, María Martínez Sierra: A Great Playwright Hidden in Plain Sight, acknowledges María de la O Lejárraga García—her birth name—as one of the most influential female playwrights not just in Spain, but worldwide, during the first half of the 20th century.