Radioarte and Abril Publishing House Present Audiobook Versions of La Edad de Oro

At the Salon de Mayo in Pabellón Cuba, an audiobook project was unveiled, marking a unique collaboration between Radioarte, a producer of dramatized radio programs, and Abril Publishing House. The project is set to debut at the 2025 Havana International Book Fair. The event featured three panels, moderated by Jorge Sariol, an experienced journalist and radio broadcaster with close ties to the literary institution.

To demonstrate the project’s conception and development, a video by young journalist Elena Godínez was shown, depicting the efforts of announcers, actors, advisors, and directors working on José Martí’s masterpiece. Following the screening, members of the radio production team discussed the creative process behind the project.

Vivian Myrie García, director of Radioarte, highlighted the value of this audiobook format, closely linked to radio drama, which forms the essence of Radioarte’s productions. Meanwhile, Manuel Ramírez Hera, the production’s director—who also voices several characters, alongside the talented young actress Greta Romero López—shared his insights, drawing on his pedagogical background.

Advisor Dayron Bejerano emphasized how the book adaptation closely mirrors a dramatized radio show or podcast. The content can be listened to at any time, not bound by a set schedule, making it perfect for schools, homes, and individuals with busy lives who lack time to read. He underscored the inclusive nature of audiobooks, which are especially useful for people with various disabilities, enabling them to form mental images, enjoy conflicts, and learn through listening.

Dr. Norma Gálvez, director of EnVivo Publishing House, also lent her support to the technological and artistic initiative, noting its potential to expand beyond children’s books to include biographies, history, and critical essays. These genres are core to the institution’s mission and could attract a broader audience, such as those interested in the lives of Cuban stars like Rosita Fornés, or beloved actors like Consuelito Vidal and Germán Pinelli. Gálvez highlighted that while some audiobooks produced elsewhere can be monotonous, the creativity and dynamic work style of the Radioarte team will ensure an engaging experience.

The second panel featured members of Abril Publishing House. Its director, Miguel Cruz, noted that audiobooks bring literature back to its oral roots. Editor Nayelis Herrera Martínez explained how the project began with children’s classics, with a focus on authors and works considered as benchmarks. The selection of José Martí’s «La Edad de Oro» was ideal, as the versatile book not only showcases Martí’s writing but also his translation of significant works of his time, such as Laboulaye’s fable and «Meñique.»

Renowned illustrator Hanna Chomenko, head of illustration at Abril, shared her thoughts and experiences, emphasizing that imagery also conveys values, sympathies, and aversions. She noted the importance of consistency between the text and illustrations, as the illustrator must immerse themselves in the story emotionally and intellectually. The designer, acting as the bridge between the illustration and the text, plays a crucial role in this process. Chomenko praised the audiobook format for being an up-to-date medium suited to modern times.

Santiago Jerez Mustelier, deputy director of Abril, pointed out that other publishing houses, such as Gente Nueva, Ediciones La Luz from Holguín, and Capitán San Luis from Havana, have embraced this format. However, Abril’s pioneering partnership with Radioarte sets it apart.

The third panel brought together the project’s technological team, including Reinaldo García Maturell and Suany Leyva, director of operations. They aim to bring literature into the digital space. Their company, which began during the 2020 pandemic, has already collaborated with Pueblo y Educación Publishing House on projects incorporating video games and augmented reality. Gente Nueva’s collection, launched last year, has also joined this initiative.

García Maturell noted that Cuban bookstores are now adapting to digital platforms and applications such as Citmatel, Enzona, Transfermóvil, and Apklis to facilitate the purchase of books, particularly children’s literature. Additionally, free downloadable games featuring story characters are being promoted, encouraging reading and fostering a new audience, as these formats have yet to gain widespread acceptance in Cuba.

The event concluded with a visual collage of the works adapted into audiobooks, paired with images that captured the elegance and beauty of this modern way to access quality literature, especially for young readers.