Podcast Summary: Más de Uno – Radioficción, Episodio 25

"¿Cómo nació ese personaje del que usted me habla?"

Host: Carlos Alsina (OndaCero)
Date: February 26, 2026

Brief Overview

In this inventive and humorous episode of Radioficción, the team dramatizes the creation of one of theatre’s iconic characters—Cyrano de Bergerac. Through a fictionalized "making of," listeners are transported back to 19th-century Paris and follow Edmund Rostand, the playwright, as he unravels the mishaps, doubts, and backstage chaos that led to the birth—and unexpected triumph—of Cyrano on stage.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Setting the Stage: The Series and Today's Theme

• [01:07] The "Cómo nació ese personaje..." series explores the origins of famous fictional characters, previously covering Hercule Poirot and Superman.
• Today’s focus: Cyrano de Bergerac—how did Edmond Rostand dream up this unique figure and bring him to life against the odds?

The Pressure of Expectations and Artistic Anxiety

• [02:28–03:00] Edmond Rostán: “En el teatro conviene no dejarse llevar por las expectativas... El protagonista de esta historia es ese hombrecillo... que se tapa la cara con las manos y tiene todo el sobaco chorreando de sudor... ese hombrecillo retorcido, hundido, lloroso y sudado soy yo.”
  • Rostand’s stage fright and vulnerability set the tone—a poignant, comic look at artistic struggle.

Life Inspiring Art: The Real-Life Inspiration

• [04:33–06:13]
  • Rostand recalls helping a timid, handsome friend (Jérôme) court Camille by ghost-writing his awkward love letters.
  • “Os amo y os temo. Pues no hay fragilidad mayor que la que siente un alma afligida por el temor a no ser amada.” ([05:55] Edmond Rostán)
  • This anecdote forms the emotional foundation for Cyrano’s dual role as both poet and secret lover.

Breaking Into Theatre: Partners and Skeptics

• [06:55–07:19]

  • Rostand finds an ally in renowned actor/director Constant Coquelen, who sees brilliance in his quirky, risky script.
  • “Una obra sobre un escritor espadachín del XVII casi desconocido es una premisa brillante… cuente conmigo.” ([07:24] Constant Coquelen)

• [08:06–08:44]

  • Marie Le Gold, the prospective leading lady, dismisses the project: “Eso va a ser un fracaso… Una obra tan larga y de ese género no va a funcionar. Y menos si la firma este muchacho.” ([08:26] Marie Le Gold)
  • Eventually, she reluctantly agrees—but only for one performance.
  • The script is met with skepticism and conditions, underlining its underdog status.

Rehearsals Descend Into Chaos

• [09:59–12:57]
  • Rehearsals are riddled with problems:
    • Actors and director want to alter lines or skip scenes ([10:10]).
    • Costumes don’t fit; sets are dangerous or—worse—cheap and tacky ([10:32]).
    • The cast is confused about the number of acts ([11:33]).
    • The leading lady hasn't memorized her lines: “¿Y por qué no te lo has aprendido, Marie?” ([10:56] Jesse Martínez)
  • The haphazard set is so bad Rostand gives the crew money to buy real sausages instead of fake painted props ([13:57]).

Despair, Last-Second Disaster, and… Triumph!

• [14:31]

  • On the day of the premiere, Marie Le Gold falls “ill” and bails, replaced last minute by the costume seamstress.
  • Rostand’s panic is palpable: “Y así, en esas condiciones tan miserables... comienza la función...” ([15:01])

• [15:44–16:46]

  • The curtain rises; Coquelin as Cyrano delivers the first lines, sparking tentative audience laughter that soon swells.
  • “Noto algo en este gascón tan fiero... ¿Por qué miráis tanto mi nariz?” ([15:44] Constant Coquelen)
  • Rostand can’t believe the public is absorbed and delighted: “Y de pronto, risas... El público ríe, tímido al principio, pero poco a poco, más absorto en la ficción. No puedo creerlo.” ([16:07] Edmond Rostán)

• [17:00–18:46]

  • By 2 AM, the show is a sensation: “A las 2 de la mañana, el público desconfío. Grita, ríe, llora, aplaude y no quiere abandonar el teatro.” ([17:00] Edmond Rostán)
  • The play's final duel scene cements its mythic status.
  • Rostand reflects on ownership and legacy: “Mi protagonista dejará de ser mío. Sus duelos de espadachín se representarán por todo el mundo durante siglos y su gigantesca nariz se convertirá en un icono.” ([18:14] Edmond Rostán)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On expectations and failure:

  • “Las expectativas, amigos, no se fíen de las expectativas.” ([18:59] Edmond Rostán)

• On backstage chaos:

  • “Esto es un desastre. Un completo desastre.” ([11:36] Jesse Martínez)
  • “Eso es lo que me han dado los pintores.” ([11:57] Radioficción Narrator)

• On the theatre as a human adventure:

  • “Es más bello cuando se lucha inútilmente. ¿Cuántos sois? Mil. Os reconozco. Mis viejos enemigos. Los compromisos, los prejuicios, las cobardías.” ([17:53] Constant Coquelen as Cyrano)

Timestamps – Important Segments

| Time | Segment | |------|--------------------------------------------| | 01:07| Introduction to “Cómo nació ese personaje” | | 02:02| The stage is set: Paris, 1897 | | 04:33| Inspiration from real life | | 06:55| Meeting Coquelen, a turning point | | 08:06| Marie Le Gold refuses the script | | 09:59| Chaos in the rehearsal room | | 13:09| Rostand’s final doubts before premiere | | 14:31| Lead actress drops out last minute | | 15:44| The show begins (and surprises everyone) | | 17:00| The audience's rapturous response | | 18:14| Rostand realizes the legacy of Cyrano | | 18:59| Final reflection on expectations |

Tone and Style

The episode balances witty dialogue, self-deprecating humor, and endearing backstage drama to humanize the creation of a theatrical classic. The original voices embody both exhaustion and delight, echoing the timeless tension of artistic endeavor.

Conclusion

This Radioficción cleverly dramatizes the unlikely origins and backstage mishaps behind Cyrano de Bergerac, transforming what could have been a historic flop into a moving, comical, and ultimately triumphant salute to the world of theatre. The episode reminds listeners—with warmth and wit—not to trust appearances or expectations, for even chaos sometimes births legends.