This article proposes a reflection on Lope de Vega's Madness in Valencia from the perspective of stage creation, drawing on the set of principles developed by Stanislaysky known as "active analysis". The study establishes an analysis model based on the play's inciting and main events and identifies the superobjectives of its main characters, summarizing the ulterior motives of the heroes as a guide to explaining their behaviors and to generating action. Although the play and the method are from completely different centuries, the method helps us understand the Spanish Golden Age text by asking the most basic questions of this age-old profession and allowing us to discover the intentions hidden under the characters' words. The article draws a parallel between the condition of exiles and detainees, two very sensitive issues at present which were addressed by Lope. From this perspective, Erifila emerges as one of the most interesting characters on the Spanish stage, one who deserves a more complex assessment from directors, actors and fans of the Spanish repertoire.
