Gustavo: A brief look at the history of the “fiesta” of Villalar de los Comuneros

Every 23rd of April, the people of Castile celebrate the festival of their autonomous region, which is based on a well-known historic event.

In the location of what is today the village of Villalar de los Comuneros (Valladolid) took place the battle of Villalar, where Emperor Carlos V’s troops beat the army of commoners lead by Juan de Padilla (from Toledo), Juan Bravo (from Segovia – although he was born in Guadalajara) and Francisco and Pedro Maldonado (from Salamanca). 

Detail of the battle. Manuel Pícolo López (1887) 

The commoner troops rose up against the young King, Carlos I, son of Juana (called “la Loca”) and Felipe (called “el Hermoso”), to defend their privileges. In the Old Castilian Regime the governors had to obey a law based on the custom and the King Carlos, who had been born and raised in Gante (Flandes – the present Belgium) was seen by the Castilians as a stranger.

As he started to introduce foreigners in capital government positions such as Toledo’s archbishopric, where 20-year-old Guillermo de Croy followed the all-powerful Cardinal Cisneros, the conflict was early seen coming. And, obviously, the uprising started in Toledo.

The insurrection began to be called “community” and that’s the origin of the uprising’s name: commoner or “comuneros”. However, there are many historians that consider the uprising as a revolution, based on the development of the process. Let’s take a look.

The uprising spread to the cities of the Castilian plateau while the king was attending imperial matters in Germany. In his place, Regent Adriano de Utrecht (the future Pope Adriano VI – also a foreigner himself) couldn’t handle the situation, which ended up broadening the east kingdom of Valencia, in another conflict known as the “germanías”.

The commoners went to Tordesillas to talk to Queen Juana, where she was a recluse, to ask her to rule the kingdom according to the Castilian law, but she refused to betray her son as she had earlier refused to betray her husband and her father (Fernando “the Catholic”) even when both of them deemed her insane though probably she wasn’t.  

Anyhow, this situation was difficult to overcome for the commoners as they were gradually staying out of the current law, as I said before, a custom-based law. It was then when they took the decision to assume the functions of government and the uprising became an anti-seigneurial insurrection that they decided to support. After that, the Castilian nobility quickly abandoned its faltering attitude and sided with the king in a conflict that began to take new features. 

The final battle took place in Villalar on 23rd April, 1521. The end of the story is well-known: Juan de Padilla, Juan Bravo and Francisco Maldonado where beheaded the day after the battle and the commoners’ uprising was crushed (Padilla’s wife, María Pacheco, capitulated in Toledo one year later).  

The story of the Maldonados is more complex. At the first of the uprising, there were two, Francisco Maldonado, commissioned to direct the “salmantina” militias, and his cousin, Pedro Maldonado. Both of them shared the lead of the “salmantina” troops, but only one was beheaded the day after the battle of Villalar. Pedro Maldonado, heir to the “Casa de las Conchas” in Salamanca (as a member of the Maldonado-Pimentel’s family), was executed one year later together with other lesser-known leaders.  

Commoner captains executions. Antonio Gisbert (1860)

All in all, to explain why the Castilians celebrate a defeat symbolizes, from my point of view, the paradox of our history. The emperor’s troops won that day, but Castile lost pretty much in the long term, as supporting Emperor Carlos’s project largely conditioned and caused the ruin of the subsequent economic development.

Paloma: "Anonymous", a must-see film

I don´t know for sure if everybody likes going to the cinema like me, but I am certain that somebody will agree on the idea that “Anonymous” is a sight for sore eyes.

Some months ago, I had thought of enjoying this film, but I was left wanting. So I managed to take the opportunity Iast eek. Not only did the film, written and directed by Roland Emmerich and John Orlooff respectively, not dash my hopes, but actually was beyond my expectations. 

I wish to emphasize some of the reasons that a person could have to see it: 

The Plot: Anonymous is both a political thriller and a pseudo-historical drama.  It is a fictionalized version of the life of Edward de Vere - a courtier, playwright and poet in Elizabethan times - who is portrayed as a literary prodigy and the true author of Shakespeare´s plays.

In successive flashbacks, the film evokes the reputed life of the Earl of Oxford (Edward de Vere) from childhood, through emotional and political entanglements (the Queen´s lover, insurrection …) to his death.

All through the story, we see how De Vere is forced first to live in a repressive, puritanical household, then blackmailed into a loveless marriage, and finally he is compelled to renounce literature. Nonetheless, the protagonist struggles against the taboo of writing for the blue-bloods. What is more, in spite of the fact that his literary work is considered a dishonour to his family, he will secretly continue to write because of the sudden awareness of how powerful - in terms of propaganda - art is.  In this respect, the Earl will write “Henry V” and “Richard III” – as propaganda designed to ”foment” revolt.  However, the veiled attack fails … things rush and the story is progressively unfolded before our very eyes.

Setting: Visually, the film is dazzling. It is a brilliant display of Elizabethan London, which is exquisitely recreated. To attain this perfection, the film was shot for the first time with a special camera which enhances most of the period backgrounds. In keeping with that purpose, the recreation of the royal rooms and costumes is painstakingly designed.  While the plot is unfolded in the grey half-light of dawn and in the smoky rooms, a majestic fashion show of ruffs, farthingales and halberds - among countless attires and other antique objects - … is displayed.

Talking of the atmosphere of this marvelous conspiracy story, one thing that caught my attention was the light: the director fills the screen with lights and shadows. We watch scenes at first light or when the sun is beginning to fade. In this respect, one can feel either beauty without being touched up or the streets’ squalor too; in any case, the best scenes are those of the candle-lit interior.

The cast: Anonymous boasts a cast of pure gold, which I couldn't agree more. The cast is memorable and the film's depiction of the nobility is superb. 

The film opens with a theatrical prologue delivered by Derek Jacobi whose voice and diction delight everybody, I know for sure. 

The director casts Rhys Ifans, who gives a stunning performance in the part of the Earl of Oxford. In a strange way he seems ennobled by his character, imbued with the culture of the nobility. It is difficult to identify him with his well-known portrayal of Spike, the skinny, shameless, foul-mouthed man who likes to walk around in bare body in Nothing Hill. 

Vanessa Redgrave, who performs the part or Queen Elizabeth, is unsurpassable; the scene in which she gazes out of a window, her eyes full of regret, is unforgettable.

Joel Richardson, who is actually Redgrave's daughter in real life, plays the role of young Queen Elizabeth. 

Rafe Spall, in his role as Shakespeare, provides delightful comic relief.  

Edward Hogg is splendid as the hunchbacked Robert Cecil, who makes spectators shiver.

Some other considerations: Although some critics say that this fascinating yarn is “a vulgar prank on the English literary tradition” or “a brutal insult to the human imagination”, there are those who love it. They praise the film as ingenious as well as memorable. 

For my part, I just loved it. Firstly, the director and the script do an excellent job fitting the known facts to the thesis in view. In spite of the fact that “the literary establishment” have ruled unanimously in favor of Shakespeare, the film lends support to the Oxford Theory and is against Shakespeare.

Secondly, the storyline includes moral blackmail, illegitimacy - bastard sons -, incest, treason and murde. Moreover, the “Virgin Queen” is challenged by Orloff´s script (portrayed as somewhat “randy”).  Another point to bear in mind is the bunch of handsome men that come up in the film, which is not to be underestimated. 

Although the film received mixed reviews from critics, the only thing I want to add is that I find it one of the most exciting films I have seen in recent times, and, without fear of making a mistake, it is worth watching. You will remain stuck to your seat!

Thanks Paloma, the rather long wait for the entry has been worth it! Of course the finishing touch is the official trailer of Anonymous. It's only a pity that many of you failed to see the film ...

Feli: EOI Salamanca - A trip to England

Once again, with our enthusiastic teachers and organizers, Gregorio and José Luis, we have been to England. Though our hotel was in Bath, from there we went to visit different places, like Bath, Oxford, Stonehenge, Salisbury and Bristol. 

The bunch of "Romans"

First of all, I would like to say that it has been a memorable, very rewarding experience.

Secondly, I am going to talk about Bath, not because the other cities did not seem to me attractive or interesting, but so that other travelling classmates can speak of them.

Bath is not a very large city, as it has about 84,000 inhabitans. It is surrounded by hills which give wonderful views of the city. However, my first impression, when we were approaching the city, was a bit disappointing, perhaps because it was winter and the landscape was not as green as I had imagined.

Bath

We arrived at the hotel at noon. In the afternoon, with a warm sun and a better light, we walked across the main streets and saw some lovely monuments, as well as squares, shops and cafés. From that moment my mind changed completely, so much so that now I can say that I would like to live there for some months.

     

The Roman Baths

Bath is vibrant and modern, one of the most magnificent cities in Britain. It is a masterpiece of Georgian architecture, built with the distinctive honey-coloured Bath stone. With over 2,000 years of history, Bath has earned an exceptional reputation as a city of culture and hospitality and is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

     

The river Avon and Pulteney Bridge

During our stay we visited the world-famous Roman Baths, one of the best examples of preserved Roman architecture; also the 15th/16th century Gothic Abbey, with its superb fan vaulting ceilings and the vast stained glass windows; the iconic Royal Crescent and Circus square, inspired by Rome´s Colosseum; the Theatre Royal, with its impressive facade; the Assembly Rooms, where the fashionable society meet to have tea or enjoy various entertainments; the Jane Austen Centre, which tells the story of the author´s life experience in Bath; the Pulteney Bridge, with built-in shops within its structure; and last but not least, the beautiful River Avon, which encircles Bath and was once important as a trade route, but today it is mainly used for recreation. 

    

Indeed we also tasted the typical Cream Tea, consisting of homemade scones and clotted cream, and also some different kinds of traditional local English beer. 

Cream tea at the Pump Room

     

As I said before, I loved the whole city, but to me the Roman Baths were particularly impressive, not only for the lovely building itself, but for the history and legend around the baths. In Britain´s only hot spring, the Romans built a magnificent temple and bathing complex that still flows with natural hot water.

     

The construction of the baths only began once the hot spring had been controlled and the land around it was drained and dried out. The precise hydraulic engineering shows the skill of the Romans in the art of taming the springs.

      

It was a must-see destination for pilgrims seeking the guidance of the goddess Sulis Minerva and looking to heal in the curative waters.

     

A scale model of the original baths with the Temple of Minerva

At the Roman Baths visitors can see the remains and architectural fragments of the Temple of Sulis Minerva, as well as the well-preserved bathhouse, which was frequented by residents and pilgrims nearly 2,000 years ago. There are numerous other treasures, which have been unearthed through archeological excavations over the past 300 years. 

     

Nowadays, the Thermae Bath Spa combines five of the city´s buildings with the contemporary New Royal Bath. This is Britain´s only natural thermal spa. 

    

Finally, I can say that there are many fascinating places to see in Bath whatever your interests, and also great places to enjoy yourself and relax, so I strongly recommend you to visit it soon. It would be marvellous to go back again. 


Thank you so much, dear Feli, I was really looking forward to one of our "Bath Romans" writing an entry about the trip, so well done! Hopefully it won't be the last ...

Sir Paul McCartney's latest album (a BBC Interview)

Hi folks!
Jamie Cullum, one of the modern jazz icons - who I was fortunate enough to watch live in Valladolid about a year ago - has a fantastic weekly radio programme on the BBC. Last Tuesday 7th February Jamie met Sir Paul McCartney for a special, in-depth interview about the tireless, unwearying Beatle's love of jazz. I must admit I've never been that fond of Sir Paul's solo career except for a couple of albums, especially the glorious "Band on the Run" when he formed Wings, but I felt a natural curiosity and thought it might be a good idea to hear one of the greatest rock icons play some jazz.

Anyway, the two artists discussed the role this genre has played in Sir Paul's life, from the days he grew up listening to his own father's band to their mutual love of legendary American jazz pianist Fats Waller. Sir Paul reflected on his early glory days with The Beatles, and how jazz, rather subtly it seems, influenced the way the Fab Four approached their compositions.

Of course, he also talked at length about his latest album, Kisses On The Bottom, consisting of cover versions of his favourite jazz classics as well as two original compositions penned by The Beatle, and explained the way the record came together, from the initial inspiration to the inevitable collaborations with the likes of Eric Clapton and Stevie Wonder.

It was only coincidence that while I was enjoying (and recording) the programme Juanjo was kind enough to email me and say hello, and, since he's a keen pianist and a jazz lover himself, I wrote back telling him about the BBC programme and indeed recommended the feature to him. So I thought you would also like to listen to at least part of it, even if you don't like Sir Paul or jazz music, if only for the sake of English. You know, such different accents, Sir Paul's distinctive Scouse and Jamie's "estuary" English.

OK guys, if you're interested, this is a 20-minute sample of the interview.