Juan Rafael Allende

Chilean dramatist and journalist

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.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).