Narrator José Luis Gutiérrez, affectionately known as Guti, has recently held two significant events in Alcázar de San Juan, aimed at preserving the stories and wisdom of older generations. These activities included a participatory workshop with students from the Universidad Popular, which took place at the Casa de la Cultura, and an oral storytelling session at the Conservatorio de Música.
Both events centred on the theme of recovering oral histories and the memories passed down through generations. Guti’s visit highlighted the importance of valuing the experiences and recollections of the elderly, showcasing the project titled Memorias en conserva or Memories in a can, which he developed alongside illustrator Leticia Ruiz Fernández. This unique project features 89 illustrated stories contained within a can, designed to preserve narratives rather than food.
Inside the can are collaged panels that combine objects and images from the past with the stories Guti has gathered throughout his career. The first event allowed participants from the Universidad Popular to engage in a practical activity focused on the collection of oral memory. Guti encouraged attendees to reflect on the significance of listening to the stories of those who came before them and the necessity of preserving these testimonies for future generations.
Guti aims to create a dialogue between the stories he has collected and the personal experiences of the participants, emphasising that collective memory is shaped not only by major historical events but also by the everyday tales shared within families and communities. He advocates for the recognition of older individuals as custodians of knowledge and traditions, using the term 'elderly' with respect and appreciation for those who have kept these narratives alive.
Women, in particular, have been a significant source of inspiration for Guti, whose work prominently features their voices and experiences. The day continued at the Conservatorio de Música with an oral storytelling session where Guti brought to life some of the stories he has collected over the years. Humour served as a connecting thread in this performance, allowing him to channel the voices of both women and men who have shared their knowledge and life experiences with him.
