University of Alcala Connects Spain's First Gender Violence Conviction 400 Years Ago with a Real Victim in 2023

Nov. 30, 2023

As part of the 25th anniversary celebration of its recognition as a World Heritage Site by Unesco, the University of Alcala has once again joined up with the independent creative agency Ernest to develop another groundbreaking and disruptive communication initiative.

The project encompasses the conceptualisation and creation of a theatrical production titled 399 years on. The story of Francisca de Pedraza and Álvaro de Ayala tells how the first Spanish woman to challenge gender violence achieved a favourable verdict in 1624 at the University of Alcalá’s court of justice, delivered by its Rector, Alvaro de Ayala.

Although in this case, what begins as a play in the style of Spanish Golden Age theatre, surprises us with an unexpected twist when, in its third act, the protagonist - played by the actress Paula Susavilla - takes a leap through time to become Mari Carmen, another real victim - although now it’s 2023. She was 39 years old when she was murdered by her husband earlier this year in Spain. 

The 1624 verdict handed down by the Rector of the University of Alcalá was trailblazing, marking a milestone in the protection of women. It imposed unprecedented measures on the accused, which included a restraining order, property separation, damages compensation, and the dissolution of the marriage. By challenging the abusive nature of her marriage, Francisca took a defiant stance against the social and legal norms of the 17th century and emerged as an icon of resistance and female empowerment.

Four centuries on, the same University of Alcalá, in conjunction with Ernest and with the dramaturgy of César Barló, have not only resurrected and shone a light on her story but also linked it to the present day. In a tragic parallel, Mari Carmen faced the same violence and yet, despite the significant strides made in the struggle against this scourge in our society, she met with the worst possible outcome.

Mr Jose Vicente Saz Perez, Rector of the University of Alcala, declared:

"This was an absolutely unprecedented sentence 400 years ago, but it would have been the same 50 years ago".

 

Paula Susavilla, actress, added:

“She was a courageous woman who chose to speak out about the abuse she endured. Regarded as the first woman to formally accuse her husband, she attended several court trials and ultimately succeeded in obtaining a separation from him. Facing such challenges on your own is daunting, particularly when you’re suffering alone. Francisca's enduring lesson teaches us the importance of seeking support from others and placing trust in the judicial system. She needed someone with power and influence and that person was Rector Álvaro de Ayala”.

 

Nacho Guillo, General Creative Director at Ernest, said:

"Working on the condemnation of such sensitive and painful issues is never an easy task. We hope that our humble contribution to finding new ways to give visibility to this unbearable scourge will help to mitigate it and, ultimately, eliminate it".

 

Marta García Viudes, Head of Live Experiences at Ernest, declared:

“Creating an immersive theatrical experience hinges crucially on recreating a setting that not only helps actors connect profoundly with their roles but also can mesmerize the audience. In this sense, staging this play in the auditorium at the University of Alcalá has helped elevate our aspirations to an entirely new level”.