| Description | Tracks 1 - 21
Please note that track 2 consists only of muffled, indistinguishable noises, whilst tracks 13 & 21 are silent. Many tracks suffer from poor sound quality, particularly tracks 1, 14 and 16 - 20.
This is a recording of Joan Jara talking about her observations of poverty in Chile, and of her life with Victor Jara, a Chilean folk singer and political activist. Joan talks about her husband's life, the political struggle within Chile against right wing politicians and supporters, the Popular Unity government of President Allende and the rise of the Pinochet regime. The circumstances of Victor's arrest and execution are described. This recording also features songs and poems by Victor. Joan introduces and reads English translations of these and recordings of Victor performing folk based protest songs in Spanish are incorporated into the performance.
Track 1 contain Joan's initial impressions of Chile as an English woman and her life with Victor. Track 2 is indistinguishable, whilst tracks 3 - 4 feature a song commencing 'I remember you Amanda'. Written by Victor and described as a love song, this also considers political protest and repression in Chile. Joan introduces the song and recites the translated lyrics on Track 3, whilst Track 4 is a recording of Victor performing the song.
Joan talks of Victor's life and death on Tracks 4 - 6. She considers his love of Chilean folklore and provides details of his academic and performing development and achievements. She refers to a cultural flowering under Allende's 'Popular Unity' government, in the face of commercially driven 'mock culture'.
Tracks 6 - 7 concern 'Man is a maker', a song written by Victor which is honours working people and their struggles.. Joan introduces the song and recites the translated lyrics on Track 6, whilst Track 7 is a recording of Victor singing it.
Tracks 8 - 11 consider the rise of the Pinochet regime, its attacks on working people, students and academics and the arrest and death of Victor Jara. Tracks 9 - 10 focus on another of Victor's protest songs, 'Prayer to a Labourer'. Joan introduces the song and recites the translated lyrics on Track 9, whilst Track 10 is a recording of Victor singing it. Joan queries why Victor was executed (Track 11).
Track 12 consists of instrumental music and Track 13 is silent.
Tracks 14 - 20 consider the plight of Chilean refugees from the Pinochet regime, and Victor's final poems. On Track 14, Joan calls for U.K. support for Chilean refugees and also for those left within Chile. She reads out translated lyrics for a song beginning 'On my way to work I think of you' on Track 15, whilst Victor is recorded performing it on Track 16. Joan discusses Victor's poetry on Track 17, whilst he is recorded performing an unspecified song on Track 18. Tracks 19 - 20 deal with Victor's final, unfinished poem (containing the phrase '10,000 hands') which is read by Joan.
Total: 1 hour 06:07 minutes
Dubber's reference number: PLA KF534B0212580 |