Great Galeoto by José Echegaray y Eizaguirre is a thought-provoking play that delves into themes of jealousy, deception, and the power of gossip. The story revolves around the character of Don Julian, a wealthy businessman who becomes increasingly paranoid about his wife's faithfulness due to the machinations of a mysterious figure known as the Great Galeoto.

The play is gripping from start to finish, with each scene building tension and suspense as Don Julian's suspicions spiral out of control. Echegaray's writing is both insightful and dramatic, capturing the inner turmoil of the characters with precision and depth.

The play also offers a scathing critique of the destructive nature of gossip and how it can destroy relationships and lives. Through the character of the Great Galeoto, Echegaray highlights the insidious power of rumors and lies, showing how they can manipulate perceptions and twist reality.

Overall, Great Galeoto is a powerful and engaging play that leaves a lasting impression on the reader. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of jealousy and the consequences of allowing gossip to dictate our actions. Echegaray's skillful storytelling and compelling characters make this a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the darker sides of human nature.

Book Description:
"What touches us more closely is Echegaray's manipulation of the modern conscience, and its illimitable scope for reflection, for conflict, and the many-sided drama of temptation.... Not even Tolstoi, with all that delicacy and keenness of the Russian conscience, that profound seriousness, which moves us so variously in his great books, has a nobler consciousness of the dignity of suffering and virtue than this Spanish dramatist. And not less capable is he of a jesting survey of life." Echegaray won the Nobel Prize for literature in 1904. This play was made into movies several times in both its original Spanish and in English. - Summary by The Translator Cast list: Teodora, Wife of Don Julian: Nissy Don Julian: Greg Giordano Dona Mercedes, Wife of Don Severo: Sonia Don Severo: Alan Mapstone Pepito, Their Son: Adrian Stephens Ernest: ToddHW Rueda, A Witness: Sandra Schmit Servant at Don Julian's: Andrew Kennedy Ernest's Servant: Joanna Michal Hoyt Stage Directions: Availle Editing: ToddHW