Which playwright invented the Spanish short farce known as pasos?

The correct answer is Lope de Rueda, who is credited with inventing the Spanish short farce known as pasos. Rueda was a pivotal figure in Spanish theatre during the 16th century and is often recognized for his contributions to the development of popular theatrical forms in Spain, particularly the creación of short comic plays that were integral to the cultural performance traditions of the time.

Pasos were characterized by their brief, humorous narratives often focusing on everyday life and social situations, making them accessible and entertaining for the general populace. Rueda’s work in this genre laid the foundation for future developments in Spanish drama and set the stage for the flourishing of theatre in Spain, influencing later playwrights and the evolution of comedic forms.

Other playwrights listed, like Hans Sachs, were known for their contributions to the German theatre scene, focusing more on different styles of drama and not specifically on the short farce genre within the Spanish context. David Belasco and Alfred Bunn also belong to different periods and theatrical movements that do not relate to the origins and innovations introduced by Rueda in Spanish farce. Thus, recognizing Lope de Rueda as the inventor of pasos is crucial for understanding the lineage of Spanish theatrical forms.