Lourdes Iriondo (Donostia, 1937-Urnieta, 2005) was one of the most influential creators in the renewal of Basque culture during the 1960s and 1970s. However, her works are difficult to obtain today and have largely fallen into oblivion. To rectify this situation and make her work accessible to the public, the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa and Aztarna publishing house have jointly published two volumes: Lourdes Iriondo. Ipuinak (Stories) and Lourdes Iriondo. Antzezlanak (Plays). These publications compile the author's works in these two genres, primarily written for children and young people.
“"Recovering Iriondo's work is a way to achieve “cultural justice” for an essential creator, but also to “strengthen collective memory."
According to the Culture Deputy, Iriondo was a woman who helped build a Basque culture that was “freer, more creative, and closer to children and young people.” Initiatives like this are important not only to perpetuate “a valuable body of work” but also to “champion” women creators who have long remained in the background, “recognize” their contribution, and give them “their rightful place” in culture.
The authors of the books, Alex Gurrutxaga and Lorea Jainaga, explained at the presentation that during the Franco regime, Iriondo made an “immense contribution” to singing and children's literature, “paving the way for future generations.” She published her literary works between 1973 and 1982: stories and plays, created with and for children. In these works, she compiled Basque tradition and proposed new themes, laying the foundations for the advent of modern Basque Children's and Young Adult Literature.
This edition gathers all the stories and plays she published for children and young people, including the unpublished play Fabrika berria. The new publication also stands out for the attention paid to the visual aspect and the recovery of complementary materials. Maite Gurrutxaga's illustrations capture the spirit of Iriondo's work and project it into the present. Furthermore, through QR codes, the edition provides access to the original recordings of the stories registered by Lourdes Iriondo herself on records, enriching the reading experience.
