Immerse Yourself in a Journey Through History, Music, and Poetry
Join us for The White Islands/Las islas blancas: A Sephardic Sojourn—an unforgettable evening where history, poetry, and music come together to bring the Sephardic Jewish experience to life.
This journey invites audiences to experience the beauty and resilience of Sephardic culture through the vivid storytelling of renowned author Marjorie Agosín, Spanish poetry brought to life by Dr. Damaris Puñales–Alpízar with English translations by distinguished scholar Jacqueline Nanfito. Throughout the evening, flamenco guitarist Guillermo Salinas will serenade the audience, amplifying the emotional impact of the poetry and creating an unforgettable connection between words and music.
This moving program delves into the Sephardic Jewish experience, with a focus on Agosín’s poetry, which reflects the struggles and resilience of the Sephardic Jews expelled from Spain in 1492. These refugees sought sanctuary on the Greek isles, only to face deportation by the Nazis centuries later.
About:
Marjorie Agosín is an award-winning Chilean-American author, poet, and human rights advocate whose works often explore themes of memory, exile, and the Sephardic Jewish experience.
Dr. Damaris Puñales–Alpízar is a Professor of Hispanic Studies and Chair of the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures at Case Western Reserve. She studied Journalism at the University of Havana and has worked as a journalist in Cuba, Belize, and Mexico. In Belize, she founded Conexión, the first bilingual and trans-border newspaper. In Mexico, she was a correspondent for regional and national mass media.
Jacqueline Nanfito is an Associate Professor of Spanish at Case Western Reserve University, specializing in Latin American literature and translation, with a focus on bringing diverse voices to a global audience.
Guillermo Salinas is a talented musician and composer, known for his evocative flamenco guitar performances and original compositions that complement and enhance literary works.
