Personalidades de la Cultura Hispánica

Norma E. Cantú is a chicana writer and professor of English at the University of Texas-San Antonio. In this interview she offers her insights on culture, the power of autobiographical writings and the legitimacy of Spanglish.

In this phone interview, Nancy Bird-Soto chats with Dr. Julio Bird, who is a cardiologist and resides in LaCrosse, WI. He is the first Puerto Rican to climb all the way to the top of Mt. Everest, an endeavor he accomplished in 2002.

Professor at the University of Texas-Pan American and poet Elvia Ardalani shares her thoughts about the written word and her insights on 'transculturalism'. She has published various collections of poetry, among them: Y comerás del pan sentado junto al fuego (2001) and De cruz y media luna (1996).

Join us at Crucitas Restaurant in Edinburg, TX for a lively chat and lunch with Roberto de la Torre and Arturo Zárate Ruiz as they comment on and challenge the idea of "la frontera" between Mexico and the United States. Roberto is a writer and folklorist who lives in McAllen, TX. Arturo obtained his doctorate degree at the UW-Madison and resides in the Matamoros area in Mexico. He has published books about NAFTA and the war on drugs.

Join us at Crucitas Restaurant in Edinburg, TX for a lively chat and lunch with Roberto de la Torre and Arturo Zárate Ruiz as they comment on and challenge the idea of "la frontera" between Mexico and the United States. Roberto is a writer and folklorist who lives in McAllen, TX. Arturo obtained his doctorate degree at the UW- Madison and resides in the Matamoros area in Mexico. He has published books about NAFTA and the war on drugs.

Join us at Crucitas Restaurant in Edinburg, TX for a lively chat and lunch with Roberto de la Torre and Arturo Zárate Ruiz as they comment on and challenge the idea of "la frontera" between Mexico and the United States. Roberto is a writer and folklorist who lives in McAllen, TX. Arturo obtained his doctorate degree at the UW- Madison and resides in the Matamoros area in Mexico. He has published books about NAFTA and the war on drugs.

María Castello shares with Kate Ternes her first-hand knowledge of tango as an Argentine cultural phenomenon that spread throughout the world. She talks about the history of tango, tango music, and the intricacy of the dance.

Nancy Bird-Soto converses with the well-known Mexican writer Ángeles Mastretta in a telephone interview from Mexico City to discuss her writings and latest projects.

Three graduate students (Nancy Bird-Soto, Dinorah Cortés-Vélez and Patricia Rengel) interview the renowned writer and human rights activist Marjorie Agosín in a Madison café. Listen to this intimate conversation with Agosín to discover her latest thoughts about poetry, Latin America, women and the war in Iraq.

Students from Spanish 266 discuss the pending immigration legislation in an interview with Alma Ruiz, member of the UW chapter of MEChA (Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Atzlán).

Dramatist Jorge Arroyo talks to Patricia Rengel about theater, politics and the 'real' Costa Rica. His recent political ventures and theatrical productions come to life in this intimate conversation.

Carlos Arenas, Director of Wisconsin Coordinating Council on Nicaragua, discusses the organization's work with Nicaraguan grass roots social movements and other political aspects between Nicaragua and the United States.

Juan Egea, Associate Professor of the Department of Spanish and Portuguese at UW-Madison, provides knowledgeable insight into the world of Modern Spanish Literature and Film, particularly in context of the Spanish Civil War.

In episode 2 students ask Pavel questions about Merengue. Find out his insight on this popular hispanic music and dance.

The tambora and guira come to life in this dramatic interview with Patricia Rengel as Pavel traces the history of merengue.