Juan Rafael Allende (October 24, 1848 – July 20, 1909) was a Chilean dramatist, author and journalist. He was also known to direct and act in his own plays. He is often recognized as the father of humorous press in Chile. Through writing Allende chastised the aristocratic class and defended ideas of egalitarianism and democracy. Above all he is known for challenging the Catholic clergy.

Juan Rafael Allende
Juan Rafael Allende
Juan Rafael Allende
BornJuan Rafael Allende Astorga
(1848-10-24)October 24, 1848
Santiago, Chile
DiedJuly 20, 1909(1909-07-20) (aged 60)
Santiago, Chile
Pen nameEl Pequén, O.N.E. and El Diablo Azul
OccupationDramatist, writer and journalist
Nationality Chilean
Notable worksMemorias de un perro escritas por su propia pata [es], La República de Jauja [es]

Being a cultural figure, he is related to the oral, popular and country poetry tradition. With this aspects he shares formal characteristics, like revindication of the grotesque and festive.

He also used pseudonyms like El Pequén (The burrowing owl), O.N.E. and El Diablo Azul (The Blue Devil).

Theatrical works

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  • El qué dirán. 1872
  • El entierr
  • El Jeneral Daza
  • José Romero
  • Moro viejo
  • Las mujeres de la india
  • Huérfano!
  • La República de Jauja
  • Víctima de su propia lengua
  • Un drama sin desenlace
  • El Cabo Ponce
  • De la taberna al cadalso

Further reading

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  • Donoso, Ricardo. La sátira política en Chile. Santiago: Imprenta Universitaria, Sociedad de Bibliófilos Chilenos, 1950.
  • Salinas, Maximiliano. ¡Ya no hablan de Jesucristo!: las sátiras al alto clero y las mentalidades religiosas en Chile a fines del siglo XIX. Santiago: LOM Ediciones, 2002.
  • Salinas, Maximiliano. El que ríe último: caricaturas y poesías en la prensa humorística chilena del siglo XIX. Santiago: Editorial Universitaria, Corporación del Patrimonio Cultural de Chile, Santiago, Centro de Investigaciones Diego Barros Arana, 2001.
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