Spanish Culture & Language     Acto Unico: Marco Antonio de la Parra—in Spanish Marco Antonio de la Parra has been acclaimed as one of the best playwrights and novelists of Chile’s new generation of writers, and his works of have been performed at venues including the GALA Hispanic Theatre, in Washington, D.C., and Joseph Papp’s Festival Latino, in New York. This outstanding program features an interview with the writer, scenes from a performance of his Madrid/Sarajevo, and a rehearsal of his La Vida Privada             Ana María Matute   One of Spain’s foremost women writers, Ana María Matute has displayed a recurring fascination with the Spanish Civil War and the defenselessness of children and the poor. Framed within the context of an appearance by Matute at the Real Academia Española de la Lengua, this program travels to Barcelona and locales in Spain’s Rioja region. Excerpts from Olvidado rey Gudu and El río demonstrate a subtler sensitivity and a tightening in construction as compared with Matute’s earlier works, while Casa de juegos prohibidos: textos inocentes illustrates the breadth of her writing.             Antonio Muñoz Molina—in Spanish An award-winning novelist and regular contributor to the newspaper El Pais, Antonio Muñoz Molina is also the youngest member of the Spanish Royal Academy. This program presents an in-depth interview with Molina. The writer discusses a number of works from across his career, including Der Putsch, Der Nie Stattfand; Beltenebros; Los Misterios de Madrid; and Ardor Guerrero.               Ariel Dorfman—in Spanish Forced to flee Chile after the military coup in 1973, Ariel Dorfman has focused his writing on the trials of tyranny and exile. This program looks at how he has fought for human rights as a novelist, playwright, essayist, journalist, and professor of literature and Latin American studies. Many of the works of this multi-genre author are examined, including Death and the Maiden, his successful play which was turned into an international film by Academy Award-winning director Roman Polanski.             The Beauty of the Castilian Language Through Literature—in Spanish This superb three-part adaptation of Roberto Hoya’s Paisaje Interior con Letras presents the sonorous wordsmithing of renowned Castilian-speaking authors, poets, playwrights, and others against the backdrop of the locales that inspired them. Readings combined with biographical information, landscape panoramas, close-ups of architecture and monuments, portraits and photos, and period music give viewers a sense of time and place as they hear and appreciate the beauty of the Castilian language.               Carmen Martín Gaite: In Search of Conversation—in Spanish with English Narration and Subtitles As a child of the Spanish Civil War and the repressive post-war era, Carmen Martín Gaite found kindred spirits among the Madrid literati, led by her future husband Rafael Sánchez Ferlosio, during the ’50s. In her long and uninterrupted literary career, Gaite chose socially critical topics such as the relationship between the sexes and the differences between provincial and city life. Using modes of expression that became increasingly more personal and experimental, her prose hovers between reality and dreams, the trivial and the exceptional, and the novel and the essay.             El Principe Renacentista—in Spanish The Spain of Philip II’s time was a place of great cultural accomplishment as some of history’s most renowned writers, artists, and philosophers created works of lasting significance. This program looks at the Renaissance as it flourished in Spain during the 16th century and Philip’s role in it as a scholar and patron of the arts. Fernando Checa, director of the Museo del Prado, is featured.             The Enlightenment: Keeping the Fire Burning—in Spanish with English Subtitles The 18th century in Spain was less a period of literary achievement than a time of intellectual ferment, as the Bourbon monarchs attempted sweeping social and cultural reforms. In this program, renowned experts put into perspective the writings of those who kept the flame of literature alight during the Age of Reason.             Felipe II—in Spanish This landmark seven-part series pays tribute to King Philip II—Felipe—of Spain. His tempestuous reign, captured by his contemporaries Lope de Vega, Cervantes, Titian, and El Greco, inaugurated the Golden Age of Spanish culture             Fernando Savater—in Spanish with English Subtitles He has been called Spain’s Jean-Paul Sartre. As well as a leading philosopher of his generation, Fernando Savater is also an accomplished novelist and dramatist. In this program, Savater discusses some of the central themes in his works, such as ethical challenges, human love, the opposition of society to the state, and the need to strengthen democracy through education.               Flor de Cacto: Más Allá de las Palabras Being a poet is a commitment that truly goes "beyond the words." In this program, three contemporary Mexican poets—Antonio Deltoro, Jorge Esquinca, and Francisco Hernández—discuss the catalysts that led them to write poetry and how their admiration for the art continues to grow. These noted artists share their perspective on what poetry has become for them in their own lives, relating many of their poems to personal experiences.             García Márquez: Un Viaje al Corazón de la Memoria—in Spanish Gabriel García Márquez was born in 1928 in Colombia, where he was raised by grandparents in a house filled with countless aunts and rumors of ghosts. This program examines the Nobel Laureate’s literary works for traces of a life story that has been as fascinating as any novel. Recollections by the renowned author, recounted in his own voice, bring to light some of his many memories of his childhood years, Aracataca/Macondo, his work as a journalist and press correspondent, and his career as a writer and storyteller. An RTVE Production.             José Ortega y Gasset—in Spanish This program presents the biography of Spanish philosopher José Ortega y Gasset. A wealth of photos and archival footage help illustrate the extraordinary times in which Ortega lived, while Professor José Luis Molinuevo, director of the Centro de Estudios Orteguianos, discusses his important contributions to the realms of social and political philosophy. Particular attention is given to Ortega’s España Invertebrada and La Rebelión de las Masas.             La España Que Hereda Felipe II—in Spanish During the reign of Charles V, Philip II’s father, Spain grew to be a truly global power. This program considers the far-flung empire that Philip first began inheriting during the final years of his father’s regime: the kingdoms of Castille and Aragón, parts of Italy, lands in France, all of the Low Countries, and vast stretches of the Americas. RTVE’s Salvador Pons, the director of the Felipe II series, is featured.             La Familia del Rey—in Spanish Philip II was married to Maria of Portugal, Mary I of England, Elizabeth of France, and Anna of Austria. What were the ramifications of these courtly alliances? And why did Philip imprison his heir, Don Carlos, in favor of his younger son, the future Philip III? This program discusses the convoluted royal family of Philip II. Fernando Bouza, of the Universidad Complutense Madrid and author of Imagen y Propaganda:             La Maquina del Estado—in Spanish Fervently pious, Philip II was the scourge of those called heretics and infidels—but his motives were not entirely due to his strong Roman Catholic faith. This program explores the interrelation of Church and State during Philip II’s reign as he zealously championed the Counter-Reformation, albeit not without subverting even the Spanish Inquisition to his political aims. Antonio Escudero, founder and director of the Instituto de Historia de la Inquisición, is featured.               A Literary Journey to Valladolid and Salamanca—in Spanish   This program considers the works of Francisco de Quevedo, Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Miguel Delibes, José Zorrilla, Jorge Guillén, Rosa Chacel, Miguel de Unamuno, Fray Luis de León, Calderón de la Barca, and Carmen Martín Gaite. An RTVE Production.             Lope Félix de Vega Carpio—in SpanishCombining beautiful location footage with original manuscripts, paintings, letters, readings, and scenes from selected performances, this program presents the life and works of Lope de Vega, the prolific playwright who single-handedly crafted a national drama for Spain.               Luis Goytisolo—in Spanish In the four novels of Antagonía, Luis Goytisolo explores the cultural and political milieu of Barcelona in the 1950s and 60s through characters disabused of their youthful ideals. In this interview, the Spanish novelist discusses many of the postmodern strategies and creative considerations involved in writing his ambitious tetralogy.                     Luis Sepúlveda: The Other World—in Spanish Enamored of reading and writing, inspired by his grandmother’s storytelling, and matured by eight years in prison for clandestine revolutionary activities against the Pinochet regime, Luis Sepúlveda has become a writer with something to say—with an international following that wants to hear it. In this program, Sepúlveda talks with veteran journalist Enzo Biagi about his childhood, his experiences in revolutionary Chile, and his decades of exile in Latin America and Europe. He also discusses three of his most popular works: Un Viejo Que Leía Novelas de Amor, Nombre de Torero, and Historia de Una Gaviota y El Gato Que Enseo a Vol. Archival footage from the turbulent ’60s and ’70s provides a powerful backdrop for the interview.               Manuel Rivas: Esta Es Mi Tierra—in Spanish Hosted and narrated by Manuel Rivas and filmed in his native Galicia, this program showcases the work of the prize-winning Spanish journalist and author of the internationally acclaimed novel, The Carpenter’s Pencil. As personable as he is talented, Rivas reads excerpts from his novel, a portrayal of the human cost of the Spanish Civil War, along with several of his poems.               Maya Heritage in Guatemala—in Spanish This timeless program examines the lives and lifestyles of the descendants of the ancient Mayans in present-day Guatemala. From the western mountains to the subtropical region, we explore the persistent Mayan influence on Guatemalan religion, festivals, crafts, and manufacturing. Several archaeological sites and ruins of Tikal are examined, and the regions of Selva Maya and Lake Atitlan are highlighted.       Miguel Hernandez—in Spanish From a poor goatherd in youth to a defeated soldier languishing in prison, the story of poet Miguel Hernandez is as romantic as it is tragic. Filmed on location, this program chronicles the life of Hernandez, a casualty of the Spanish Civil War whose poetry reflected all the beauty and sorrow of his native country. Manuscripts, photos, and documentary footage complement a thorough survey of his powerful works, including Perito en Lunas, El Rayo Que No Cesa, El Gallo Crisis, and Teatro en la Guerra.       Modern Literary Voices—in Spanish Spanish literature in the 20th century was driven by tradition, experimentation, civil strife, exile, and New World promise. In this beautifully wrought series, the lives and works of four iconoclastic writers are examined through a mixture of expert commentary; the reminiscences of family, friends, and fellow writers; archival film and photos; and contemporaneous journals, articles, and posters.                     Neruda: Let Me Sing for You—in Spanish with English Subtitles Nicknamed "The Emperor of the Stage," Franklin Caicedo has applied his remarkable talents to create a one-man show that movingly evokes the spirit of Chile’s greatest poet, Pablo Neruda. In this classic program, Caicedo is filmed onstage, with students in a park, and at a variety of other venues as he dramatically recites "The Words," "Not Only Fire," "I Like You When You Are Silent," "Self-Portrait," "The Question," The Dead Woman," "Farewell," "Saddest Poem," "Letter on My Travels," and other selections from Neruda’s oeuvre.                 Père Gimferrer—in Catalan with English Subtitles Baroque in style and metaphysical in tone, Arde el Mar established Père Gimferrer as one of the leading voices of his generation. This program presents an interview with the award-winning poet, who has written collections in both Catalan and Spanish. Along with discussing his aesthetic approach, Gimferrer talks about some of his most recent works, including Mascarada and El Agente Provocador.             Ramon Sender: Perceptions of a Life—in Spanish Perhaps Spain’s best-known novelist before the Spanish Civil War, Ramon Sender belonged to the social narrative and existential schools and was a member of the vaunted Generation of 1925.               Roberto Bolaño—in Spanish A high school dropout who became one of Chile’s most respected writers, Roberto Bolaño wrote more than a dozen novels. This program presents an interview with Bolaño, author of Amuleto and Los Detectives Salvajes, for which he won the prestigious Romulo Gallegos prize.               Rosa Regàs—in Catalan with English Subtitles Born in Barcelona, Rosa Regàs has founded two publishing houses and two magazines, as well as written several award-winning novels. In this extended interview, the novelist and journalist discusses several of her books, including Azul, Luna Lunera, and Le Canción de Dorotea.                             Zoé Valdés—in Spanish Born in Cuba to Chinese parents, award-winning novelist Zoé Valdés has achieved worldwide recognition for portraying the struggles and dreams of women. This program highlights her upbringing, education, and influences, as well as examining several of her most important books, including La Hija del Embajador and Te Di La Vida Entera.       Spanish Instruction for K-12         Abejas en la Casa Spanish was never easier or more fun to learn than in this humorous presentation that teaches simple Spanish words.             Alhambra: Legacy of Moorish Spain (English) The Alhambra was the stronghold of the last Moorish rulers in Spain, and the sumptuous legacy of Granada still delights visitors 500 years later. Explore the grounds and the palaces.             Anuncios Comerciales (Spanish) Commercials can tell us quite a bit about a particular culture. Look at some television ads from the Spanish-speaking world and listen for some familiar words.             Anuncios, Senales, y Carteles Test your reading comprehension skills and have fun looking at a wide variety of signs found in the Spanish-speaking world.             Arts and Crafts of Mexico (English) An indigenous artistic tradition thousands of years old has been merging with Spanish traditions for nearly 500 years. The results are stunning and unique.             Basque Country (English) The most ancient race of modern Europe has no country to claim as its own, yet remains strongly attached to its heritage. The Basques of France and Spain have a unique culture and a fascinating history. Narrated in English.             Brazil: Heart of South America Resource-rich, Portuguese-speaking Brazil says it is the land of the future. Bahia, Rio de Janeiro, and Manaus offer excitement, and the Amazon is incomparable.             Bullfight: La Fiesta Brava (English) To understand Spain, one must understand the spectacle of the bullfight -- la fiesta brava. Explore the history of bullfighting, as actual bullfighting footage is used to explain each step of the ritual.             Carnival Ponceno (Bilingual) The carnival season prior to Lent transforms Ponce, Puerto Rico into a city of excitement, as residents host one last joyful celebration before beginning a season of solemnity.             Celebrating Cinco de Mayo (English) Parades, traditional foods, colorful crafts, and happy people are the trademarks of celebrating Cinco de Mayo. Cinco de Mayo presents a wonderful opportunity each year for two neighboring countries the United States and Mexico-- to acknowledge and re-affirm their friendship. The holiday glorifies freedom and liberty, ideas that are cherished by citizens of both North American democracies. Narrated in English.             Christmas Customs in Latin America (English) Watch the people of Latin America celebrate Christmas by blending Old and New World traditions. Christian and Native American customs exist harmoniously.             Christmas in Spain: Feliz Navidad (Bilingual) Nochebuena, Feliz Año Nuevo, and Epifaña are some of the words and customs that are presented in this bilingual, visually exciting program. Students will learn about Spanish food, art, music, and dance, as they experience holiday traditions. Bilingual.             Cinco de Mayo (English) On May 5, 1862, a Mexican army defeated French invaders, thereby establishing a national holiday. Learn about Cinco de Mayo with this exciting and informative video program.             Colombia de Hoy Look behind the romantic stereotypes and sensationalism and you will find a Colombia that is vibrant and exciting. Here is solid information on geography and culture.             Comerciales de Espana (Spanish) Watch commercials from Spanish television. See what products are sold and learn how they are advertised in Spain. Listen closely for words that you can recognize. Spanish.             Comerciales Mexicanos (Spanish) Spanish-language commercials as they appear on Mexican television will give students a head start toward understanding the messages being presented.             Conocer Espana (Spanish) From the towering Pyrenees to fabulous beaches, the geography of Spain is diverse and wonderful, as are the people who call Spain home. This informative video is in simple Spanish.             Conocer Mexico Mexican culture arose from many different influences. This Spanish-language introduction to an ancient land focuses on both the geography and the people.             Conociendo America Central (Spanish) This Spanish-language tour of Central America provides practice in listening comprehension while it dispenses valuable background information about an important geographical area.             Cuba (English) Ninety miles away from the United States, Cuba still exists separate from the world, with its own cultures and traditions. Explore the real Cuba in all of its exotic glory. Narrated in English.             Cuentos de Fantasmas (Spanish) Six Spanish-American ghost stories are told in simple Spanish. Some are chilling; some are charming. There will be unexpected revelations and poignant characters. This video will enliven your Spanish classes.             Cuentos Populares Latinoamericanos (Spanish) Full of good-natured humor and illustrating moral lessons, these six charming fables, told in simple Spanish, will delight and educate.             Day of the Dead: Janitzio (English) Each culture views death in its own way. In Janitzio, relatives take the time to remember and honor deceased loved ones. The Day of the Dead is a celebration of the cycle of life. Narrated in English.             Easter in Guatemala Beautiful floats and flower carpets vie for attention during Guatemala's unique Easter season.             Easter in Spain (English) Spain's deeply religious people celebrate Easter with much pageantry and spectacle - without losing sight of the reason for the holiday. Reverence and joy infuse this very special time of the year.             El Alfabeto Espanol (Spanish) This great introductory program for beginning students is also a vocabulary builder for intermediate classes. It can help all classes with pronunciation and simple syntax.             El Mercado The market is the hub of life in Latin American villages and it's an essential shopping stop in the larger cities. Experience the local flavor.             El Mundo Hispanohablante (Spanish) Spanish is spoken by many people who live in countries other than Spain. We'll visit some of these places and witness what life is like in the Spanish-speaking world. Narrated in Spanish.