Nineteenth-century Spanish drama experienced significant transformation, moving away from the traditional comedia and zarzuela forms. Influenced by European movements like Romanticism, playwrights began to explore themes of individualism, social issues, and emotional depth, leading to a more modern theatrical expression. Key figures in this period included José Zorrilla, known for his romantic plays, and Antonio García Gutiérrez, who contributed to the rise of the drama romántico. This era also saw the emergence of realism, with playwrights like Benito Pérez Galdós addressing contemporary societal challenges, thus enriching the Spanish theatrical landscape.