The story of Chilean protest musician Victor Jara is one of art, freedom and sorrow, and the power of song to bring about change. Join us for a night of reflection and celebration of his life and works, the beauty of Chilean folklore, and sharing of this part of Chilean history. Victor dedicated his life to his art and the struggle for social justice in his beloved homeland, a struggle that still continues today.

CONCERT : FRIDAY 22 September 7:30pm ($25/$30)
ART EXHIBITION + TALK + FILM : SUNDAY 24 September 1:00pm (free registration)
VENUE : Polish White Eagle Club, 38 David Street, Turner

// BACKGROUND //

2023 marks 50 years since the military coup in Chile. The coup was executed in the early hours of 11 September, 1973, with the bombing of the presidential palace of socialist president Salvador Allende. Thousands of Chileans were captured, tortured, and killed.

One of these was Victor Jara, a celebrated theatre director, musician, political activist and teacher from the south of Chile. Victor was part of the revolutionary social movement known as Nueva Canción (New Song). His songs tell the stories of normal people from all walks of life in Chile, and particularly focusing on the inequality and poverty that abounded, but also on beauty, connection and humility.

Since his tragic death, Víctor has become known internationally with many songs and poems being written about him.

// THE CONCERT //

Jorge + Karina Bontes bring you this homage work, and they are joined by a talented multidisciplinary collective of local artists (full details below). Focusing primarily on his life and music, the concert will touch on various aspects of Victor’s art and legacy, set against the background of the unfolding of political events that ultimately ended in his death.

// FRIDAY DETAILS //

WHEN : 7pm for a 7:30pm start, Friday 22 September
COST : $30/25 Waged/Unwaged (limited tickets available - please talk to us if money is a barrier)
VENUE : Polish White Eagle Club, 38 David Street, Turner

The Polish Club will be open from 5pm, and the restaurant from 6pm. Please see their website for menu and bookings.

The show will begin at 7:30pm sharp, so please arrive a few minutes early to secure your seat. It is open seating.Accessibility - unfortunately the venue is not wheelchair accessible. Assistance animals are welcome. There is some fluorescent lighting.

Please be aware that this concert touches on some adult themes such as death and violence. Children are welcome under parental supervision.

// ARTISTS //

VISUALS | Rafael Florez

DRAMATURG/POETRY | Tracy Bourne

// EXHIBIT + TALK + FILM SCREENING //

On Sunday 24th September, there will be a showing of a very special exhibition: "Reminiscéncias".

This exhibition will feature works by Chilean portrait artist Jorge Bontes, who is also one of the artists from the Friday concert. Jorge studied art at the University of Concepción in south of Chile, and over the years has become accomplished in most of the artistic media materials used today. The paintings in this exhibition will reminisce on the life and times of Victor; explore the settings of his songs, his artistry, and that which he gave so much voice to - the struggles and joys of the peasantry, the beauty of the day to day, of love, and of politics.

There will be a talk by ANU academic Dr Thomas Nulley-Valdés, about Victor Jara and a film: "The Resurrection of Víctor Jara". This award-winning feature film documentary that tells of the life and legacy of Víctor. The streaming version is subtitled in English where Spanish is spoken, and subtitled in Spanish where English is spoken.

This event is free - registration essential.

// SUNDAY DETAILS //

WHEN : 1pm Sunday 24 September
VENUE : Polish White Eagle Club, 38 David Street, Turner

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These events would not be possible without the generous support of ArtsACT

These events are supported by:

ANU Latin American Students Association (LASA)
Embassy of Chile in Canberra