The meeting was in Granada: Federico García Lorca, Manuel de Falla, Hermenegildo Lanz and the puppet theater

Abstract

The friendship between Federico García Lorca and Manuel de Falla was key for both of them. Despite their age difference, they shared a deep admiration and respect since Falla's arrival in Granada in 1919. In this city, the two formed a close bond with the Sevillian set designer, etcher and puppet builder Hermenegildo Lanz, a member of the El Rinconcillo gathering.

In 1923, the three collaborated in a puppet show at Lorca's house. Falla selected and adapted the music, Federico chose the texts, which included an entremés attributed to Cervantes and El misterio de los Reyes Magos, among other pieces, and Lanz designed the christobics. This experience influenced the creation of El retablo de Maese Pedro, where Falla relied on Lanz for the scenography and puppets.

This chapter will analyze the relationship between Falla, Lorca and Lanz, as well as their collaboration in puppet theater and its impact on El retablo de Maese Pedro. It will also address Falla's intervention on behalf of Lanz, who was arrested at the beginning of the civil war, possibly motivated by the assassination of Federico.