House of Desires
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Los empeños de una casa (House of Desires) is one of Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz's dramatic literary pieces. It was first performed on October 4, 1683, during the birthday celebrations held for the first-born child of the Viceroy Count of Paredes;[2] of which coincided with the entry of the new archbishop of Mexico City, Francisco de Aguiar y Seijas.
The tale centers around two couples pining to be together but prevented from doing so by uncontrollable circumstances. This comedy of intrigue is deemed one of the most famous works from late-Baroque Spanish-American literature. It has the unique characteristic of having the leading lady be a nun, who is strong-willed, and determined, and who openly expresses her frustrated wants and desires.[3]
This work is considered in many circles to be the pinnacle of Sor Juana's pieces both in verse and throughout all Mexican literature. From the manner it handles intrigue, to the representation of the complicated system of conjugal relationships and the vicissitudes found within urban life, each aspect intertwines to make The House of Desire a rare theatric piece of colonial Latin America.[4]