Rafael Abolafia earned an MA in English Studies (1996-2000), and has completed the first two academic years of his PhD (2000-2002) at the Faculty of Arts and Educational Sciences / Universidad de Jaén (Spain). He was granted a Sócrates-Erasmus fellowship to study at Northumbria University (Newcastle / UK / 1997-1998). Since 2005, Rafael has worked as a Direction Assistant at Centro Andaluz de Teatro (Junta de Andalucía / Spain), providing directorial assistance in the theatre, coordinating research groups (Transborder Theatre; Gender and Theatre; Andalusian Scenic Heritage; Spectators’ Educational Project) and organizing international encounters (Mediterranean Theatre; Latin American Dramaturgy; European Women on the Stage).