Jusepa Vaca

Josefa Vaca was born into a family of actors. Her father, Juan Ruiz de Mendi, was a playwright, and her mother, Mariana Vaca, was an actress. She worked extensively across Spain and Portugal, building a long and respected career alongside her husband. In 1647, she authorized the sale of a notary office in Castilfuerte.^[1]

Celebrated for her elegance and talent on stage, she was honored by leading writers of her time. Lope de Vega dedicated La mocedad de Roldán to her, commending her grace and singular example. Luis Vélez de Guevara also dedicated a work to her, La serrana de la Vera. Her fame brought her into contact with nobles and literary circles, and her public image became a subject of commentary in verse and prose. Some writings praised her skill and influence, while others took a satirical tone. She died in Madrid on July 11, 1653.^[1]

On December 27, 1602, she married the well-known playwright Juan de Morales Medrano.^[2] Her husband Juan de Morales Medrano was listed in the Royal Decree of 1603 among the eight authorized playwrights allowed to travel and perform throughout the kingdom as a leading theatrical impresario of early seventeenth century Spain.^[1] Active as an actor by 1595, he achieved prominence as an author of comedias and company director, leading his own troupe almost continuously from 1601 to 1631.^[2] Together, they headed one of the most renowned companies of the period, performing frequently at Corpus Christi festivities across Spain and presenting private and public performances for the royal court under Philip III and Philip IV.^[2]

Despite periods of prosperity, including property ownership in Madrid's Barrio de las Letras, Morales Medrano later faced financial hardship and dissolved his company in 1631. He had died by 1647, as indicated by a legal document signed by Jusepa Vaca that year.^[2]