Last night we started our new series of workshops focused on learning Spanish through Literature. What a true delight it is to discover the best Literature in Spanish, whilst enjoying a glass of wine in a cosy classroom, while it’s cold and rainy outside!
The opening workshop was dedicated to two masters of the 20th century Spanish Literature: Antonio Machado and Federico Garcia Lorca.
We started by learning about the historical context of early 20th century Spain, and how it forged their personalities and subjects. Then we worked with a short dialogue from Lorca’s theatre piece “La Casa de Bernarda Alba”, which is currently the focus of study in the national curriculum for the Spanish A-levels exam. We continued by discovering Machado’s poetry and even its adaptations on modern Spanish pop songs.
The exercises gave me the tools to understand these two writers a bit better. I certainly will not face Machado’s and Lorca’s poems in the same way again.
The dynamics in the classroom were very interactive and engaging. I was impressed at our students’ thirst for knowledge, and at their thought-provoking comments and sharp analysis. It was so rewarding to receive a brilliant feedback from them at the end of the session! Everyone was asking after the next Literature Workshop!
After the great success of this first workshop, we can’t wait to do it again! The next session will take place on Friday 22nd November at 7pm, also at Spanish House London (26-32 Voltaire Rd, SW4 6DH). This time, we will be travelling to Latin America to discover the writings of Isabel Allende and Julio Cortazar. If you want to join us, do not forget to book your place in advance here. Spaces are limited!