Peasant theaters in autonomus Galicia – genesis, aktivity and socio-cultral meaning

Abstract

This article shows the development of the amateur, folk theater movement in Galicia during the autonomous period (1867-1918). As a result of the easing of censorship and administrative restrictions, this movement, especially at the end of the 19th century, contributed significantly to the development of education and culture in the plebeian communities of Galician society. Special attention deserves the work of the Association of Theaters and Choirs under the leadership of Zygmunt Gargas, which shaped not only the intellectual culture of the people, but also the theatrical tastes of the Galician people. This was a phenomenon which, by itself, was a testimony to the irrevocable need of this institution in the country, educating the innate musicality of the people by organizing the folk choirs and theaters.