Gaspar Aguilar

Gaspar Aguilar (January 1561 – 25 July 1623)[1] was a Valencian poet and dramatist of the Spanish Golden Age.

Born in Valencia (Spain) into humble social conditions, he ended up frequenting the nobility as secretary of the Count of Sinarcas, and as steward to the Dukes of Gandia.

His poetry adapted itself to the needs and circumstances of his patrons: for religious festivals, celebrations and official events.

He was one of the founders of l’Acadèmia dels Nocturns ("the Academy of Night"), for which he adopted the pen name of Sombra, meaning "Shade".

His "new comedies" including 'La nuera humilde', 'La gitana melancolica' ("The Melancholic Gypsy") and 'Los amantes de Cartago' ("The Lovers of Carthage") stand out for their use of complex scenic resources.