Abstract

The aim of this article is to study the textual and dramatic history of the Loa del juego de la pelota, a text attributed to Calderón de la Barca which was originally published in 1668 as part of the volume entitled Ociosidad entretenida. First of all, we attempt to analyse the date and circumstances of its composition as well as its first performance. Secondly, we study its subsequent performances and its different adaptations to several of Calderón’s autos and its historical context via the examination of different printed editions and manuscripts, some of which were unknown until now. This analysis allows us to ascertain the versatility of the genre of which this play is a prime example.