Anselma (play)

Anselma is a one-act play written by Mexican playwright Luisa Josefina Hernández. First performed in 1959, the play explores themes of repressed desire, societal expectations, and the stifling nature of small-town life.

The story centers on Anselma, a young woman trapped by her circumstances and longing for a more fulfilling existence. The play uses symbolic language and a claustrophobic setting to highlight Anselma's internal conflict and the limitations imposed upon her by the rigid social norms of her community. The other characters in the play, primarily family members, contribute to Anselma's sense of isolation and contribute to the forces that confine her.

While not one of Hernández's most widely known works, Anselma is considered significant within the context of Mexican theatre as it reflects the author's characteristic exploration of female characters grappling with existential dilemmas and the constraints of their environment. The play is often studied in university courses focused on Latin American literature and theatre.