The publication, which will be presented on Thursday at 7:00 PM in the Torrejó building in Benidorm, highlights Plath's trip to the town in the summer of 1956. During her honeymoon with Ted Hughes, the poet wrote two letters to her mother, which the magazine reproduces translated by Flora Ruiz, offering an intimate perspective of her stay.
“"We have devised a rigorous schedule that is finally being realized. Benidorm is built along a curved mile of perfect beach, with crystal clear waves breaking on the shore."
Plath's letters, dated July 1956, describe her daily life and the Benidorm of that era, as well as revealing her literary projects. Poikilía magazine has previously featured the poet couple in earlier issues, solidifying its interest in the connection between writers and the city.
This issue of Poikilía also compiles poems by authors such as Alberto Santamaría, José Ángel Barrueco, Rafael Azuar, and Karmelo C. Irribaren, all with Benidorm as their central theme. Additionally, it includes articles on the municipality's link with Rafael Chirbes (through his book Mediterráneos) and James Graham Ballard, a science fiction author relaunched by David Cronenberg with his film Crash, who also mentions Benidorm in his work. The work of Rafael Pérez y Pérez and his trilogy Dos Españas is also analyzed.
A central article of the forty-page magazine explores the presence of Benidorm in 20th-century Spanish theater, with references to playwrights such as Ana Diosdado, Rafael Mendizábal, Alonso de Santos, Martínez Mediero, Adolfo Marsillach, and the prolific Alfonso Paso. The publication is completed with an analysis of the novel Nena Clemente by Tomás Orts Ramos, an interview with poet Álvaro Salvador, a poem by Diego Doncel as a guest contributor, and reviews of new literary works.
At the end of the presentation event, free copies of the magazine will be distributed among attendees, thanks to the collaboration of the Department of Culture of the Benidorm City Council.
