There’s a timeless quality to good literature that allows it to cross borders and transcend boundaries. Chilean author Elisa Ferrada’s work creates such connections, possibly because the themes in her writing are based on basic human nature.
Ferrada is renowned throughout Latin America, where she has published 11 books. As a poet, author, playwright, composer, and songwriter, she said that most of her inspiration comes from nature and children. She’s written Spanish children’s literature, poems, novels, short stories, children’s songs, and music.
Her literature has been well received in many countries throughout the world because, she believes, her subjects relate to many different people.
“When I write, when I have my inspiration, my emotion is elevated, so I know that when they read that poem, it’s going to be translated directly to the reader,” she told the Sun through a translator. “The reader and the writer are accomplices.”
“I think that what I’m writing, the reader is going to feel it,” she continued.
Ferrada is bringing that feeling to the Central Coast on Aug. 9 when she recites from her work at Asociaci€n Cultural Latino Americana’s Musifiesta 2008.
“I’m very happy, mainly because it’s been dedicated to my country Chile,” Ferrada said of this year’s event.
Each year, Musifiesta honors a different Latin American country, explained Musifiesta coordinator Enedina Casta“eda. In celebration of Chile, organizers have scheduled several Chilean entertainers as well as Ferrada.
Known as “Mama Icha,” Ferrada said that she enjoys the moniker because it fits her well. She explained that “Icha” is a shortened form of Elisa, and “Mama” represents her love of all people. Mama Icha has definitely received that love in return. She was recognized as a “Woman of Peace” in the city of San Francisco de Cordoba, Argentina, for her contribution to children, youth, and humanity. She was also recognized as “The Lady of Latin American Poetry” and “Illustrious Citizen with Gold Medal” of Maipu, Metropolitan Region in Chile.
The accolades should come as no surprise to Ferrada, who’s always had a way with words.
“I believe I was born with that talent of being a poet,” she said.
At 74, Mama Icha looks like someone you would call Mama. She has wisdom in her eyes, a warmth when she speaks, and a passion for her written works.
Ferrada grew up in a small Chilean town surrounded by nature. And even in her memory of a happy childhood in that small town, she finds inspiration. She likened that time to a free bird flying throughout the world.
“I always remember that town as a small paradise,” Ferrada said. Then, reflecting on her description of her hometown, she added, “You see, I’m a poet.”
Now, she likes the idea of leaving an imprint on children through her writings. In her children’s books, she tries to send a message of good values, family, and the importance of peace.
Her favorites out of her own work are two children’s books that were translated into Braille: La Batalla de Maipu and El Candor de la Ni“ez.
“I feel very emotional when I see the blind children reading my books,” she said.
She feels just as strongly about promoting art and culture to other countries through her books and poems, which was another reason she agreed to join Musifiesta 2008, which raises money for the association’s scholarship program.
Ferrada will recite some of her poems, as will Enedina Caste“ada, one of the event’s coordinators. Araucaria, a Chilean folkloric group, will perform. Based in San Francisco, Araucaria has been performing traditional folk dances from Chile for 12 years.
Rafael Manriquez will give a musical performance later in the evening. Originally from Santiago, Chile, Manriquez shows off his vocal skills and his talent on Latin American string instruments, ranging from the guitar to the charango to the cuatro and tiple. His music reveals the rich Latin folk rhythms influenced by Spanish, Native American, and African cultures. He has performed as a solo artist and with several musical groups throughout Chile and Ecuador.
Latin music and dancing to Caf» 7, a Latin and salsa music group with members from Guadalupe and Santa Maria, will top off the night.
INFOBOX: Join the party
Musifiesta 2008 takes place from 5:30 p.m. to midnight on Aug. 9 at South County Regional Center, 800 W. Branch St., in Arroyo Grande. Tickets are $70 a person or $600 for a table of 10. For more information, call 937-2535 or visit cameosjoy@verizon.net
Arts Editor Shelly Cone is a sucker for romantic poems written in Spanish. Recite something to her at scone@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Aug 7-14, 2008.