Curated by Carmen Domingo Soriano and organized by Acción Cultural Española, the Biblioteca Nacional of Spain presents until 5 January the exhibition María Lejárraga: a voice in the shadow, which immerses the visitor in the life and work of an exceptional woman, whose literary talent and social commitment made her a key figure in 20th century Spanish culture.
Behind the name of Gregorio Martínez Sierra, was hidden the brilliant pen of María de la O Lejárraga. Teacher, playwright, novelist, politician and feminist activist, Lejárraga was a multifaceted woman who left an indelible mark on Spanish literature and society.
Despite her success as a playwright, her name was eclipsed by that of her husband. The exhibition invites you to discover the true author behind works such as Lullaby and Love that Passed, and to value her contribution to Spanish theatre.
Lejárraga was an ardent defender of women’s rights and played a fundamental role in the Spanish feminist movement. Her struggle for equality and commitment to social justice made her a point of reference for many women of her time.
The exhibition offers a journey through Lejárraga’s life, from her beginnings as a writer to her exile in Argentina. Through manuscripts, photographs and personal objects, you can meet a woman who is passionate, intelligent and committed to her time. The recovery of the figure of María Lejárraga is fundamental to understanding the history of Spanish culture and politics of the twentieth century. Her legacy invites reflection on the importance of making creative women visible and to strive for a more just and egalitarian society.
