Madrid theaters seen through the eyes of a late 18th-century German traveler
Much is known about theaters in Spain from primary historical records, which are of course the most reliable sources of information. I am delighted to have discovered A Picture of Madrid: Taken on the Spot, a series of first-hand observations by a German visitor to Madrid at the end of the 18th century.
Its author, Leipzig-born Christian Augustus Fischer (1771 – 1829), was a university teacher and writer who travelled extensively and published a great deal. His recounting of his visits to Madrid and Valencia were translated into English.
The Table of Contents includes his keen observations of every aspect of Madrid life, captured as short vignettes. Here, we reproduce in full his description of Madrid theaters of the time: their location, audience attendance, prices, times of performances, and other related details.
Fischer captures the essence of places and people in Madrid, presenting his observations in the same lively and engaging style as a modern-day travel blogger.