María Martínez Sierra: A Great Playwright Hidden in Plain Sight

This collection highlights the significance of María Martínez Sierra as a playwright, revealing her impactful works and contributions to theatre in the early 20th century.

The plays of María Martínez Sierra enjoyed widespread acclaim in Spain, South America, and even on Broadway and London's West End during the early 20th century. Despite her significant contributions, many believed that her husband, the esteemed director and playwright Gregorio Martínez Sierra, was the true author of her works. Following his passing, it was revealed that María was the creative force behind these plays, establishing her as one of the most important playwrights of her era.

This edited collection presents three of María Martínez Sierra's plays, translated by the renowned duo Helen and Harley Granville-Barker. An insightful introduction by Patricia O’Connor from the University of Cincinnati delves into María's remarkable life and her struggle for recognition as the true author of her works in both Spanish-speaking and English-speaking contexts. The volume emphasizes plays that highlight strong female characters, showcasing María’s unique perspective and storytelling prowess. The Granville-Barkers' own experiences with authorship parallel María's journey, adding depth to this collection.

The featured plays include The Kingdom of God (1928), The Romantic Young Lady (1920), and Take Two From One (1931). María Martínez Sierra: A Great Playwright Hidden in Plain Sight acknowledges María de la O Lejárraga García, her birth name, as a pivotal figure in the landscape of 20th-century theatre, not only in Spain but globally.