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Spanish journalist, writer, playwright, and actress of Jewish-German descent, born Carmen Eva Nelken Mansberger into a family that had prospered in the jewelry trade. She and her younger sister, Margarita Nelken, received an exceptional education that set them apart from most women of their era. Both embraced feminism at a time when the movement was highly controversial or nearly unknown, aiming to shape society through their writings.
In 1917, Carmen began contributing to the newspaper El Imparcial as a consultant on women's fashion but quickly demonstrated her commitment to women's rights, including suffrage, economic independence, and divorce—key issues of the time. She used the pseudonym "Magda Donato" to avoid confusion with her sister Margarita, who was gaining prominence in political circles. Magda Donato emerged as a leading voice for feminist causes and liberalism, known for her eloquent writing, sensitive style, and fiercely combative spirit. She also pioneered undercover investigative journalism, spending over a month imprisoned to expose conditions in a women's jail and sleeping on the streets to highlight the plight of the homeless.
Magda also excelled in writing children's stories and scripts for puppet shows produced by her partner, the multifaceted Spanish puppeteer, designer, illustrator, painter, and sculptor Salvador Bartolozzi, with whom she shared a lifelong relationship without marrying. Besides these pursuits, Magda joined the Caracol theater troupe as both actress and writer, adapting various plays until the group disbanded in 1935. Her most influential period was during the 1920s and the Spanish Second Republic (1931-1936), when her work was in high demand until the Spanish Civil War broke out.
As General Francisco Franco’s rebel forces gained ground, Donato and Bartolozzi fled to France, continuing their artistic endeavors, including performing with Les Comédiens de France. When Nazi Germany invaded France in 1941, the couple sought refuge in Mexico, where they successfully published their co-written children's plays and were warmly embraced by the theater and film communities. Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, Magda appeared in numerous plays and films, often in character roles or as a comedic actress. In 1960, she received the Best Actress award from the Association of Theater Critics for her role in the play Las sillas.
Following her death in 1966, the National Association of Actors and Directors (ANDA) established the "Magda Donato Award" to honor the best-written play of the year. The award continued until 1973, when it was officially discontinued.
