Actos del IV Seminario Internacional de Estudios Teatrales
When I was working on my Masters in Second Language Acquisition from the University of Southern Indiana, I was presented with a very unique opportunity – a summer study abroad experience in Mira, Cuenca, Castilla-La Mancha, España. Along with 5 other women, I studied under director de escena, Adolfo Simón.
We lived in Spain and workshopped a play that was written specifically for us. It was a very interesting and rewarding experience!
As part of the program, Adolfo arranged for dramaturg José Moreno Arenas to inspire us with a lecture and the first public reading of his new play Federico en carne viva (about the life famed poet, dramaturg, artist, and author Federico García Lorca).
Moreno Arenas also penned Pulgas Dramáticas which is a group of small 2-3 page plays that, in my opinion, perfectly depict the heart and soul of Spanish humor – funny, dark, and twisted enough to make you squirm a little in your seat. When I shared with him that I would LOVE to use them in my upper levels, he invited me to return to Spain to present about my experiences.
So that’s exactly what I did! November 30-December 1, 2017 I attended the Actos del IV Seminario Internacional de Estudios Teatrales in Granada. I presented ‘Aprender español haciendo teatro: Una odisea personal, desde la España profunda hasta el corazón de América.’ It was a completely amazing AND TERRIFYING experience! You can see the movie I created as part of my presentation here.
Not too long ago, almost 2 years to the day I presented in Spain, I finally received my copy of the published papers. You can see my utter shock and surprise!
I’m beyond thrilled to have had the opportunity to grow and expand my wings in this unexpected way…. and the best part???
I’m a high-school-Spanish-teacher-published-author!
I highly encourage you to stretch and grow and expand in whatever ways possible. Doing difficult things is what causes true change and a true sense of accomplishment when you work you way through!