- Antonio Machado
Antonio Machado is one of the most descriptive and talented writers ever. If you are able, read a book by him in Spanish–if not, read a translation. Do, in any event, pick up one of his books.
Here is an exmple of one of his poems, a translation by Stephen Page:
Autumn Dawn
By Antonio Machado
To Julio Romero de Torres
A long roadway stretches
between craggy gray rocks,
and some humble prairie
where black bulls graze. Brambles, weeds, thickets.
The earth is wet
with dewdrops,
and an avenue lined with golden-leaved trees
runs along the curve of the river.
Behind the violet mountains
dawn breaks;
between two thin greyhounds
a hunter walks, his shotgun slung over his shoulder.
For one last show, José Sacristán, an extremely talented actor from Spain, recites Machado’s poetry and prose in a short play at Teatro Nacional Cervantes. Facundo Ramírez accompanies the reading on piano. Osvaldo Papaleo produces the show. I went to the premier, and the show is more than worth seeing.
Below is a translation and embellishment by Stephen Page from the La Trastienda website.
Walking with Machado
subtitle: From Blue Skies To My Childhood Sun
Actor: José Sacristán
Guest Artist: Facundo Ramírez on piano
Producer: Osvaldo Papaleo
This is the last show. Don’t miss it.
Actor José Sacristán comes to Argentina, one of his favorite countries, to read Machado in a brand new show titled “Walking with Antonio Machado.” Sacristán personifies the Spanish poet and prose writer while honoring his work.
José Sacristán performance accompanied by pianist and composer Facundo Ramirez, who alternates selected pieces by composers Albeniz, Debussy, Villalobos, Brahms, Schumann, Liszt, Chopin, Mozart and Mompou.
“Walking with Antonio Machado” (From Blue Skies To My Childhood Sun), brings the work of one of the less conventional writers of the twentieth century. Machado is the most referential man in the history of Spanish literature. Throughout his career he remained steadfastly committed to the history of his country. Argentine singer Joan Manuel Serrat honors Machado in many of his songs.
This is the last show. Don’t miss it.
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Stephen Page (eudaimonia)
