Plays were divided into three acts and written in verse. The classical unities of time and place were disregarded although that of action was retained. The plot that carried the action was frequently supported by a relevant comic or serious subplot, and a comic character (the gracioso) was often present. Lope overturned classical decorum by mixing comic and tragic elements, and having both nobles (even royalty) and peasants appearing on the stage at the same time. Thematically, Lope drew inspiration from a wide variety of sources: e.g. history, classical mythology, the Bible, lives of saints, Italian literature. However, two themes he worked with particular success were amorous cloak and dagger intrigues (comedias de capa y espada) and honour conflicts, especially between the peasantry and nobility. Fuenteovejuna is an historical play, based on an uprising in the village of Fuenteovejuna (North West of Córdoba) in 1476. It was composed probably between 1612 and 1614. The action of