Spain's theatres date back to Roman ruins where the stage and seating are still evident.

Major classical festivals are held annually in the original venues in Seville and Mera­da. Spanish playwrights who have made their mark internationally include Lope de Vega, founder of Spain's national theatre, Calderan de la Barca, and Federico Garc­a Lorca in theatre, and Pedro Almodavar in cinema.