* Image: Stained glass by Frances Emley, adapted from a tapestry given to Fernando Alegría by Violeta Parra.
After taking a break in August to focus on planning our next fiscal year, we are coming back on September 11th to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the U.S.-backed coup that overthrew the government of Salvador Allende in Chile in 1973. This painful historical event marks the origin of La Peña as a community center and, to this day, it is the backbone of our mission to promote social justice and intercultural understanding through the arts.
Since this year is special, we are holding a series of events aimed at revitalizing our history and reflecting on where we are today, centering the value of community as the foundation for long-term resistance, resilience, healing, and joy. We hope to see you all there. See details below and save the dates!
MONDAY, SEPT 11, 2023: we will be gathering just like every year since 1975 at La Peña, reflecting on what it means to resist today, and turning pain and grief into community resilience through music, poetry, dance, and food. Since this year is special, we’ll also have the premiere of a short documentary directed by Francisco Núñez and an Art Exhibition by Héctor Salgado! RSVP here for FREE! | SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER!
FRIDAY, SEPT 22, 2023: “Punto de Encuentro” (Meeting Point) is a film directed by Roberto Baeza (2022) that reveals the intimate process between filmmakers Alfredo and Paulina, as they attempt to recreate what their fathers experienced in Villa Grimaldi, an emblematic torture center of the Pinochet dictatorship. This screening will be the film’s West Coast Premiere! TICKETS HERE!! | SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER!
FRIDAY, SEPT 29, 2023: For this special concert, community member Fernando “Feña” Torres will be leading two sets of music, poetry, and storytelling that will honor the life and legacy of Víctor Jara, one of Chile’s most important singer-songrwriters who fought for a new world through teaching, art, and activism, and whose life was taken on the 5th day of dictatorship. TICKETS HERE!! | SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER!