Podcast Summary
Podcast: Más de uno
Host: OndaCero – Carlos Alsina
Episode: Ciudad Rodrigo y Salamanca inspiraron a Denis Rafter para escribir 'Idaira, Armina y Adassa. Cuentos de Teatro'
Date: January 2, 2026
Overview
In this heartfelt and whimsical episode, renowned theater artist and author Denis Rafter joins the Onda Cero team to discuss his latest book, "Idaira, Armina y Adassa. Cuentos de Teatro." The conversation weaves together the inspirations behind his stories—drawn from Ciudad Rodrigo and Salamanca—and explores the importance of oral tradition, inclusion, and magical storytelling for children. The episode is infused with warmth, humor, and literary passion, offering listeners a window into both Rafter's creative process and the traditions that shape his work.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
Inspiration from Ciudad Rodrigo and Salamanca
- The Birthplace of the Stories
- Rafter explains that the heart of his writing comes from his experiences in Ciudad Rodrigo and Salamanca, where he visits annually for over 20 years, crafting stories for local children during their theater fair.
"Cada año, desde hace 20 años voy allí, escribo un cuento para los niños y ellos vienen tres o cuatro veces al día durante la Feria de Teatro para escuchar mis cuentos. Y esos tres cuentos empezaban ahí. Entonces, Ciudad Rodrigo y Salamanca es mi inspiración." — Denis Rafter [01:07]
- Rafter explains that the heart of his writing comes from his experiences in Ciudad Rodrigo and Salamanca, where he visits annually for over 20 years, crafting stories for local children during their theater fair.
The Book's Structure and Bilingual Spirit
- The book, "Idaira, Armina y Adassa", is uniquely bilingual: one side in Spanish, the reverse in English, with each language version reflecting a distinct storytelling tradition.
"Escribí primero en español porque la voz en mi cabeza fue en español y me costó más traducirlo al inglés... El inglés es de un narrador, un cuento cuento irlandés que habla de una manera muy familiar y una tradición, tenemos una tradición literal, oral de la literatura." — Denis Rafter [03:47]
- The English version adopts a narrative style reminiscent of Irish oral tradition, inviting all ages to listen and connect with the story’s voice.
Secret Societies and Holiday Magic
- Rafter humorously reveals his involvement with the fictional "Asociación de Barbas Blancas" (Association of White Beards), whose members include figures such as Melchor, Gaspar, Papá Noel, and the grandfather from Heidi, all working behind the scenes to watch over well-behaved children.
"Yo formo parte de la asociación ABB... estamos siempre en comunicación, hablando de los niños y niñas que se han comportado bien durante el año." — Denis Rafter [01:27]
- The hosts and guests playfully discuss other Spanish folkloric gift-bringers, blending myth and joking camaraderie.
The Inclusive Message of the Stories
- Rafter reads a moving excerpt from his book that introduces Idaira, a shy girl with a disability, and her best friend Ben, who is blind, setting the scene for a story about resilience, friendship, and inclusion.
"Esta niña se llamaba Idaira y era coja, tan coja que casi no podía andar y menos aún correr. Era coja desde su nacimiento. Idaira era tímida y muy introvertida..." — Denis Rafter [05:00]
- The protagonists in his stories are always women, highlighting female voices and perspectives.
"Y una mujer es siempre la protagonista." — Denis Rafter [06:33]
The Heart of Oral Storytelling
- Both the host and Rafter celebrate the tradition of oral storytelling, focusing on its role in the origin of theater and communal experience.
"Los tres cuentos además son muy teatrales. Todos tienen que ver con el origen del teatro, con el origen de la oralidad." — Host [06:23]
Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments
-
On Inspiration and Dedication:
"Todo en mi vida surge de algo teatral, pero tengo mucho cariño y mucha actividad en Ciudad Rodrigo y en Salamanca."
— Denis Rafter [01:07] -
On Writing in Two Languages:
"Me costó más traducirlo al inglés, que escribirlo en español... El inglés es de un narrador, un cuento cuento irlandés..."
— Denis Rafter [03:47] -
On Inclusion in Storytelling:
"Era coja desde su nacimiento... El mejor amigo de Idaira era un joven llamado Benkomo... él tampoco podía ir a la gran casa. No podía porque Benkomo era ciego."
— Denis Rafter (reading) [05:00] -
On Female Protagonists:
"Y una mujer es siempre la protagonista."
— Denis Rafter [06:33] -
On Secret Societies for Good Children:
"Yo formo parte de la asociación ABB... hablando de los niños y niñas que se han comportado bien durante el año... Pero no lo digas a nadie."
— Denis Rafter [01:27]
Timeline & Key Segments
| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|-----------------------------------------------------| | 00:29 | Denis Rafter joins from London | | 01:07 | Inspiration: Ciudad Rodrigo and Salamanca | | 01:27 | "Asociación de Barbas Blancas" secret revealed | | 03:47 | On bilingual writing and Irish narrative tradition | | 04:54 | Excerpt: Introduction to Idaira and Benkomo | | 06:23 | Hosts praise the stories' theatrical, oral roots | | 06:33 | Denis: "Y una mujer es siempre la protagonista." | | 06:44 | Warm farewells and closing remarks |
Conclusion
This episode radiates literary enchantment, playful humor, and a profound respect for tradition and storytelling. Denis Rafter’s passion for theater, languages, and inclusive stories shines throughout, as does the unique cultural blend fostered by his experiences in Spain and Ireland. Listeners are left inspired to seek out his work as the perfect gift for children and adults, especially during the holidays—reminded of the vital role stories play in bringing people and generations together.