| Description | Initially developed in 1974, 'Viva Chile!' parodied the Pinochet regime in Chile. It was staged with the assistance of Joan Jara of the Birmingham Chile Solidarity Committee. Concerts [songs and dialogue] were put on together with Inti-Illimani, a Chilean music group who had been exiled by the Pinochet regime. These performances related the experiences of Victor Jara, a Chilean folk singer and political activist. A supporter of the Allende regime in Chile, Jara was executed by the Pinochet regime, and his story provided a framework in which the socio-economic conditions within Chile could be explored. The historical development of the Chilean labour movement and contemporary political conditions were explored, and a mix of Chilean folk music and selections from Banner's stock of material [including 'The Big Hewer'] provided a bridge between labour movements in different continents.
Banner Theatre retained an active interest in Latin American politics, long after the initial production of 'Viva Chile!' had ceased. Whilst this would manifest itself in an international perspective provided in productions such as 'Reclaim the Future' and 'Wild Geese', these would have a different emphasis. More in keeping with Banner's original concern was its continued research for a possible further project on 'Latin America', which considered the consequences of the economic and cultural clash between North and Central / South America. These notes are retained with the papers of 'Viva Chile!' because of this shared research focus. |