Early Life and Education
On this day a hundred years ago, in the city of Orizaba, Veracruz State, a boy was born who would later be described by Salvador Novo as “a skinny, nervous boy with frightened eyes.” This child was named Emilio and would carry the surnames Carballido Fentanes. According to literary critic and translator Selma Ancira, Emilio was a delicate child who preferred reading to playing with other children.
In 1945, he enrolled in the Faculty of Law but dropped out after two years to join the Faculty of Philosophy and Literature, later transferring to the Dramatic Arts program. His primary teachers were Rodolfo Usigli and Fernando Warner, with fellow students including Rosario Castellanos, Luisa Josefina Hernández, Jorge Ibargüengoitia, Sergio Magaña, and Jaime Sabines.
Discovery and Early Career
Salvador Novo, then head of the Theater Department at the National Institute of Fine Arts, recognized Emilio’s talent and commissioned him to write a play for the International Theater season at the Palacio de Bellas Artes. This led to the creation of “Rosalba y los llaveros” in 1950, a satirical comedy that showcased the young dramatist’s unique humor.
A Prolific Career
Emilio Carballido Fentanes became a prominent figure in Mexican theater, penning nearly 200 plays across various genres. His works garnered success both domestically and internationally, with notable plays such as “Un pequeño día de ira” (1960), “¡Silencio pollos pelones ya les van a echar su maíz!” (1963), “Te juro Juana que tengo ganas” (1965), “Yo también hablo de la Rosa” (1965), “Acapulco los lunes” (1969), “Las cartas de Mozart” (1974), “Orinoco” (1982), and “Rosa de dos aromas” (1986). These plays were performed in multiple languages and countries, including Spain, Germany, France, Belgium, Israel, Colombia, Venezuela, Iran, and the United States.
Beyond plays, Carballido Fentanes also wrote novels, short stories, over 50 film scripts, and an opera.
Centennial Celebrations
To commemorate the 100th anniversary of Carballido Fentanes’ birth, several events are planned. On October 28, the French company Catherine Delattres will perform “Te juro Juana que tengo ganas” in French with Spanish subtitles at the Teatro del Bosque Julio Castillo. Meanwhile, the Sociedad General de Escritores de México will honor their distinguished member with a plaque unveiling at the Teatro Enrique Lizalde in the Centro Cultural Sogem on October 30. The event will also feature the first scene of “Rosa de dos Aromas” performed by actress Nuria Bages.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who was Emilio Carballido Fentanes? Emilio Carballido Fentanes was a renowned Mexican playwright, novelist, screenwriter, and opera composer, born in Orizaba, Veracruz, on this day a hundred years ago.
- What were some of his notable works? Carballido Fentanes wrote almost 200 plays, including “Un pequeño día de ira,” “¡Silencio pollos pelones ya les van a echar su maíz!” and “Te juro Juana que tengo ganas.” He also penned novels, short stories, film scripts, and an opera.
- How is his life being celebrated on this centennial year? Various events are taking place to honor Carballido Fentanes, including a French performance of “Te juro Juana que tengo ganas” and a plaque unveiling by the Sociedad General de Escritores de México.
