The Municipal Theatre of Almagro was the venue for a captivating performance by Naán Dúo, part of the 40th encuentro de poesía española, organised by the Diputación de Ciudad Real through its Sociocultural and Tourist Promotion Area. The duo, comprising Carlos Herrero and Héctor Castrillejo, founders of the original project 'El Naán', showcased their recital-concert titled 'La desaparición de las luciérnagas', which blended poetry and music to highlight rural culture and the popular expressions that are fading into obscurity.
During the evening, the artists unveiled their latest album, 'Versos del páramo negro', a product of over five years of creative work. The album intertwines Castrillejo's poetry with ancestral sounds, aiming to trace the ethnic roots of Iberian folklore. The artists emphasised that their work does not merely alternate poems and songs but constructs intertwined pieces that hold meaning in their own right.
Hailing from a small village in Palencia, the group views Castilian folklore as a culmination of encounters, asserting that it cannot be understood without acknowledging the various cultures that have crossed the peninsula. This cultural blending, they believe, serves as a significant source of inspiration.
Regarding the current standing of poetry, the artists expressed optimism, noting that younger generations are increasingly drawn to it, possibly influenced by trends such as hip hop and other urban music styles. They argue that in times of uncertainty, when references are lost, poetry resurfaces as a lifeline, describing it as 'a sleeping dragon' that will eventually awaken.
They praised the commitment of the Diputación de Ciudad Real to culture, particularly in relation to this poetry gathering. They believe that supporting literary creation like this defends beauty and complexity in a world dominated by noise and ignorance, something they claim is as essential as air.
After more than fifteen years performing across Spain, the group acknowledged that it was their first time performing in Almagro and expressed their satisfaction with the warm reception they received.
The programme continues today, Thursday 22 October, with a focus on bringing poetry closer to young people. In the morning, storyteller and writer Aldo Méndez will lead an activity titled 'Más que palabras', exploring Romanticism and authors such as Bécquer and Zorrilla, with a particular focus on 'Don Juan Tenorio'. Two sessions will involve 61 students from IES Antonio Calvín and 68 from IES Clavero Fernández de Córdoba. In the evening, at 20:30, the Almagro Music Band will present '¿Qué nos canta la zarzuela?', a poetic-musical proposal that highlights this genre and a group closely tied to the town's cultural life.
