Serafín and Joaquín Álvarez Quintero were born in Utrera (Sevilla); Serafín in 1871 and Joaquín two years later. They always worked together, and were both members of the Royal Academy of the Spanish Language. Under the assumed name of 'El diablo cojuelo' ('the lame old devil'), they published their writings in the Seville press, although their dedication to the theatre was exclusive. They penned over 200 comedies and the short sketches known as sainetes on Andalusian themes and with recurring plots such as 'Las de Caín' (1908), 'Doña Clarines' (1909), 'Malvaloca' (1912) and 'Mariquilla terremoto' (1930), among others. Their works were distinguished by their simple staging and snappy dialogues typical of a popular style of theatre. They also wrote librettos for zarzuela including 'La reina mora' (1903), with music by José Serrano. They died in Madrid; Serafín in 1938 and Joaquín in 1944.
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Las de Caín
A light comedy by the Quintero brothers describing the hard task faced by parents in marrying off their daughters.
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Other highlighted works
- Mariquilla Terremoto
- Amores y amoríos
- Esgrima y amor