A tale of two poets, Antonio Machado and Federico García Lorca, who both lived in the beginning of the 19th century, will be performed by Teatro Paraguas.

The performance presents the lives and poetry of the two individuals who, although much alike, were also very different. Each poet achieved great fame, one in America, the other in Spain.

Machado was born in Seville, Spain, and is regarded as the best-loved Spanish poet since the Golden Age of Spanish literature. Lorca was born in the small town of Fuente Vaqueros in southern Spain.

Both poets tragically died in the Spanish Civil War, and their lives were greatly intertwined in political conflict, or in what Machado's poetry referred to as the two Spains.

It's said that Machado's poetry is of such quality that no foreigner is capable of comprehending his words.

Lorca, on the other hand, is known widely across America. He became internationally known, perhaps because of his involvement with "Generation 27," a poet group also known as the "Generation Guillén-Lorca," from 1923 to 1927.

Machado in his poetry, unlike the extravagant Lorca, is silent, exploring the different mutes, tones and colors of life. His written word represents his view of God and life, taking an existentialistic view on his approach to life and poetry.

Teatro Paraguas director Argos MacCallum explained that the performance itself presents the great contrast between the two poets. He admitted that such a performance is challenging for the actors because with poetry recitation, the actor cannot go wayward from the poet's words. The poetry must be recited with precision.

The actors, Paola Vengoechea, Lesley Reveles, John Camacho, Daniel Bohnhorst and MacCallum, present a mastery of the Spanish language. They present the greater side of Lorca's and Machado's poetry. Even an audience that does not have an ear for the Spanish word is capable of appreciating the wondrous music to the poetry of both poets.

Guitarist David Briggs, along with the narrator, move the plotline along. Briggs' guitar gives the entire performance an elegant appearance and a brilliant Spanish atmosphere.

Teatro Paraguas' bilingual presentation of Machado's and Lorca's poetry sold out last month at the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque.

For Santa Feans who missed it, Teatro
Paraguas will have several performances starting at 8 p.m. Jan. 27 and Jan. 28 at its studio, 3221 Richards Lane, and at 2 p.m. Jan. 29. Tickets are $10 for the general public, and $8 for seniors and students. For tickets, call 424-1601, or visit www.teatroparaguas.org.

Marzia Dessi is a junior at Española Valley High School. You may contact her at azulamarz@rocketmail.com.