The Belle Époque brought a theatrical boom to Spain, making it the country with the highest number of plays per capita in the world, largely thanks to the "teatro por horas" or "género chico" (short, light musical theater). This unique format encompassed a wide variety of works. The same audiences who were captivated by the modernity portrayed in operettas, revues, and light entertainment also delighted in the traditional Spanish farces and zarzuelas.