María Sebastià-Sáez: "Fedra, from Mother to Lover: Tradition vs. Iconoclasm in Spanish Contemporary Drama”

Abstract:

Phaedra is a controversial mythological character, as she contravenes established social norms. Conventionally, female characters could be categorised in three main types: 1) Madonna/mother, 2) femme fatale, 3) hysteric. Phaedra, being a stepmother, has not been categorised as a Madonna/mother but rather as a femme fatale and a hysteric. Phaedra’s identity is placed in a complex dichotomy that simultaneously defines her as mother and lover.

Traditionally, Phaedra had epitomised the paradigm of ‘bad woman’ in Spanish neoclassical drama. In my talk, I will explore how this role model transcends her mythological origins, adapts to contemporary Spanish society, and syntonizes with it. Consequently, she is no longer portrayed as a sinner, as seen in Christian reinterpretations, or as a woman consumed by a demented, passionate furor, as depicted in Graeco-Roman versions. Instead, Phaedra is now often portrayed as a rebel against her circumstances, opposing the gender roles imposed by society.

In addition, I will study the potential for drama to elicit catharsis in its audience, serving as both a social catalyst and an agent, as well as an instrument for social change that can disrupt traditional concepts of motherhood. By doing so, I will contribute to our understanding of the various ways in which theatre is employed to articulate social taboos concerning stepmothers and women who diverge from traditional expectations of being a wife/mother.