Gezongen emoties. Toneelliederen in Rodenburghs Vrou Iacoba bij de opening van de nieuwe Schouwburg

Abstract

Theodore Rodenburgh has been a controversial author in academic research and, as a result, his Vrou Iacoba (1638) has been neglected for many decades. This article addresses and demonstrates how Rodenburgh lets his own main character, Jacqueline of Bavaria, sing on stage. The article offers an interpretation of her songs and argues that, according to Rodenburgh, Jacqueline was not to blame for the loss of her counties to Philip of Burgundy. The songs are a way to create a so-called emotional community within the audience. By the means of a catharsis, this newly formed community is warned for the Republic's possible loss of its sovereignty, since the war with Spain had not yet ended in 1638. The citizens in Vrou Iacoba did not accept their loss of sovereignty, and neither should the people of the Republic.