Sjömansbiblioteket

‘Life Is a Dream’ (1635) is a play by Spanish dramatist and poet Pedro Calderón de la Barca. Considered one of the finest Spanish dramas of all time, it explores the mysteries of human destiny and examines the clash between free will and fate.

Terrified by a prophecy that predicts his son will destroy the country and kill him, King Basilio imprisons his son Segismundo, Prince of Poland, in a tower. But what will happen if Basilio frees his son? Will the prophecy come true?

Formerly listed as one of the most prominent plays of all time, ‘Life Is a Dream’ is an intriguing read that will surely pique the interest of those familiar with other influential plays, such as Shakespeare's ´Hamlet´ and Ibsen's ´A Doll's House´.



Pedro Calderón de la Barca (1600—1681) was a Spanish soldier, priest, dramatist and poet, considered the greatest Spanish playwright of the Golden Age.

Among his best-known works are ‘The Surgeon of His Honour’ (1635), ‘Life is a Dream’ (1635), ‘The Mayor of Zalamea’ (1640), and his masterpiece ‘The Daughter of the Air’ (1653).

His works have been adapted for TV and film on many occasions and remain hugely important and influential to this day.