Theater in teaching Spanish. Theoretical paradigms and practical reflections

Abstract

The use of theatrical texts in the teaching of Spanish has been determined by the continuous change of methodological paradigm from the traditional approach to the communicative methods currently in practice. Despite this, drama techniques have been present in different methods, playing a crucial role in fostering students’ communicative and intercultural competence. This article, therefore, addresses the incorporation of theatre, in its entirety, in the different methods and approaches of language teaching, from a theoretical perspective. It also highlights the benefits of theater in the teaching and learning process. Although the situation has changed significantly in recent decades and the literary text has been introduced into the teaching of Spanish, the proper implementation of these texts as a teaching tool remains to be specified.