Virtual Visit from Spanish Actress Enriches ISU Literature Class

On April 22nd, students of the SPAN3301: Introduction to Hispanic Literature class at Idaho State University (ISU) had a unique opportunity to engage with Spanish actress Carolina Calema in a virtual session.

Hosted by Dr. José Eduardo Villalobos Graillet, Assistant Professor of Spanish, the session centered around Calema's insights into her portrayal of characters from the renowned Spanish book "La Celestina."

During the interactive Zoom session, students discussed the adaptation of the classic text for the stage. They explored various facets of theatrical production, including vocal and interpretative preparation, lighting, music, and costume design. Calema shared her experiences and techniques in bringing the characters of "La Celestina" to life, providing invaluable insights for the students.

"La Celestina" holds a significant place in Spanish literature. Originally published in the late 15th century, it is considered the first masterpiece of Spanish prose and a seminal work of the early Renaissance in Spain. 

Dr. Villalobos expressed his gratitude to Carolina Calema for her participation and thanked the Department of Global Studies and Languages for sponsoring the event. The session not only provided students with a deeper understanding of Spanish literature but also equipped them with the vocabulary necessary for interpreting theatrical works in Spanish.