About Sergio Roldán
Sergio Roldán is a Spanish author whose work transcends geographical boundaries, now extending to Mexico. His latest anthology, “Tablero,” showcases his unique storytelling abilities and vivid imagination.
The Anthology: “Tablero”
“Tablero” is a collection of short stories and aphorisms that Roldán crafted during his life experiences. The anthology was presented earlier this month at the Palacio de los Serranos in Ávila, where Roldán shared his thoughts on the book.
“The stories and aphorisms in ‘Tablero’ are not lies but attempts to narrate truths, sometimes disguised in fantasy and other times bare-skinned,” Roldán stated.
The Structure and Inspiration
Roldán described “Tablero” as “tables that can construct bridges or a ship from which to observe the sea.” He explained that it embodies “the archetype of the space where we decide, play, and face life’s challenges.”
Drawing inspiration from Greek homeric literature, Roldán structured the book around the hero’s journey—a narrative model symbolizing personal transformation. However, he emphasized that the hero is not a warrior with a cape and sword but any individual embarking on a journey, be it from point A to B or Z and back to A, creating their own odyssey filled with ports and adventures.
Roldán acknowledged that we are all engaged in these journeys, sometimes simultaneously. He opted for a universal structure common to all human experiences: “The hero undergoes suffering or gains transformation during their journey. Upon returning, they share this archetypal elixir: wisdom born from experience.”
Visual Complements
The anthology features illustrations of several stories by Roldán’s father, Carmelo Sansegundo. These visuals interact with the symbolic and emotional universe of “Tablero,” adding a complementary visual dimension to the written word.
The Presentation Event
At the event in Spain, Eduardo Garcinuño, a literature teacher at the Instituto Isabel de Castilla and Roldán’s former student, spoke about the influence of Constantino Cavafis’ poem “Ítaca” and other texts like “Tablero,” which share the theme of journeys.
Julio Collado, coordinator of literary workshops at the Palacio de los Serranos, presented the event skillfully. He described “Tablero” as an impactful experience driven by its beauty and reflection.
Live music by Juan Carlos Delgado and a shared reading of one of the stories by actor Sara Heras, known for her voicework in Campanilla and Wicked, further enriched the introspective atmosphere of the gathering.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is “Tablero”? It’s an anthology by Sergio Roldán comprising short stories and aphorisms that explore destiny, human experiences, and the journey of life.
- What inspired “Tablero”? Roldán drew inspiration from Greek homeric literature and the hero’s journey narrative model, reinterpreting it to fit contemporary human experiences.
- What makes “Tablero” unique? The anthology features illustrations by Roldán’s father, Carmelo Sansegundo, which add a visual dimension to the written stories.
- What was the presentation event like? The event included speeches by Eduardo Garcinuño and Julio Collado, live music by Juan Carlos Delgado, and a shared reading of one of the stories by Sara Heras.
