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CONTENT OF THE PLAY IN ENGLISH «ALTABIZKARKO KANTA». Even though this play maintains the same structural keynote as its predecessors «ARALAR» and «LARTAUN-EN HISTORIA», it differs from them in its dynamism. It can be said that it is a historical narrative based on historians' investigations and folk tradition. The structure of the play is similar to that of the suletine pastorals; though its aim has not only been to imitate, quite the contrary, but to create, in its use of paratheatrical forms, and in its wholeness, a play of a pastoral genre, young and modern in its dynamism. The play has XVI acts and it develops in this order. I) Presentation of the play. II) In three different scenes we are shown the Frankish leaders informing his emperor of their victory in Saxony; the Muslim leaders in Saragossa taking steps to défend their citadel from the Cordoba's emir; and one of the governors of Saragossa going to Saxony to ask for help to Charlemagne, where he is. III) The Frank-Muslim pact is narrated, and the movement of the frank forces, and the restleness of the Basque people. IV) Eneko, leader of Izaba, is informed by his son Arizta and Otsoa, of the Frank army's movements. V) Mozkor and Ali take part in a comic scene in Pamplona. VI) Fortun-Garces, leader of Pamplona is informed by Arizta and' Otsoa of the army's movements. They prepare for the defence of the city. VII) Fight of the battle in Pamplona. VIII) The Frank victory is narrated, also the message sent to Saragossa, so that they be received with great honours. IX) Rebelion in Saragossa. The Muslims do not accept the Christian Muslim pact and are getting ready for battle. X) Charlemagne feels insulted on the gates of Saragossa because he cannot enter the city triunphantly. He asks for explanations to the Muslim general who zeent in his help. A fight takes place to enter the citadel, until an emissary announces that Saxony has risen in revolt. The return is prepared. XI) The return of the Franks through basque land is narrated but the Basques do not accept the invador and show their coldness. Charlemagne, in the face of this attitude, orders the destruction of Pamplona. XII) Two scenes are shown in Izaba. In one Ximena and Oneka, the latter, states her bitterness; in the other Eneko is informed about the details of the Frank army's movements by his son Arizta. XIII) The hate of the Franks looms large over the Basques in Pamplona. They introduce new forms of government. XIV) The Basque leaders get ready for their defense in Orreaga; their watchword: to destroy the rearguard of the franks army and the looting; while the frank generals persist with their threats. XV) The great battle of Orreaga and the staging of the popular song «Altabizkarko kantua». XVI) The end of the play is narrated while the actors thank the public. |
