We are in Santiago,Chile for our human rights art project MEMORIA HABLAR DIGNIDAD which is also at our Facebook site by the same name. Last year we were at Villa Grimaldi the Peace Park where thousands of
people were tortured, and two hundred thirty six people were killed by Pinochet’s soldiers. The history of this horrific period is well documented at the Villa Grimaldi website.
We schlepped the tower about 25 kilos with the 100 Flowers of peace poems down with us. Our friend Roger did a beautiful job in making the portable tower. We who normally travel with less than 15 kilos of luggage anywhere, were a bit overwhelmed, and then the airlines charged extra for my guitar. But we arrived in a nice flat in the downtown.
We were invited to bring our 100 Flowers of Peace poems in 100 languages, the Amnesty solstice tower, the art work — SILENCE IS COMPLICITY, and a performance I wrote MEMORIA HABLAR DIGNIDAD 40 to Villa Grimaldi peace center. The dance section is coordinated with my friend and colleague Yasna Lepe of Tar Danza
group. More of the work is at www.b4peace.net. Follow us at facebook.com “Memoria.Hablar.Dignidad.”
Memoria – To remember these events of the past. Hablar – To speak and give voice to this pain. Dignidad – How do we embrace human rights now and in the future… both in the domain of civil and political rights, but also in speaking out against the violence against women, the violence against children, economic and social justice.
We are very grateful to our friends at Villa
Grimaldi Peace Park Monserat and Roberto who have been coordinating the event. I am so humbled and saddened by being here. This Park of Peace to commemorate the victims of the Pinochet coup. I walk through the park where thousands of people were tortured,and read the placards to commemorate those who died, I am ovewhelmed.
The US government was directly responsible for this coup d’etat. The CIA under the direction of Kissinger and Nixon had spent millions of dollars destroying the Chilean economy, coordinating the coup d’etat, and even selecting the leaders of the coup. I had sent a letter to Senator Bernie Sanders to see if he would send a letter of apology to the people of Chile. I have been waiting for several weeks for a response. We are a nation of such shameful behavior that has destroyed so many emerging democracies and countries. Peter Kornbluh’s book “PINOCHET FILES,” details these events clearly from the CIA files. Also, during this period, under the guidance of the USA, Operation Condor was created – a network of Right wing South American Military
dictatorships.
We are not only celebrating these events of 1973, we are honoring the memory of those killed and tortured during these 18 years, the families that had been impacted by these events, and the long term
consequence on Chilean society. Even now the prosection of the torturers and muders is still proceeding. Victo Jara’s killers are being brought to trial 40 years after his death.
Throughout the week there were parades and marches in the street by the various political parties from the left to the right. And yesterday, the elections were held. A peaceful transition of power. Yesterday, we had also visited Moneda Palace where Salvador Allende was killed in the coup d’etat on September 11, 1973. Many international artists like Springsteen and others have come to celebrate this change
As an artist/ poet my fundamental task is to ask questions. In this case, through the art and performance: What have we learned from this Coup d’etat? How has democracy been changed and transformed by these dictatorship? What is the future of human rights for native Mapuche, for workers, and all Chileans? What can we learn from these events and how does it shape our thinking of human rights globally? How is it possible for us to get the US government to stop destroying democracies around the world? When will we stop
In the broader context, we are weaving this performance into the larger body of work “PORNOGRAPHY OF WAR”, This project is a key component of this art, poetry, and multimedia work that looks at the impact of violence and militarism in society. How do we find our way to peace in society and personally?
I am also so grateful for all the work that so many people have done on this project – this has involved not only our core
team, but hundreds of volunteers who have worked on translations. Zoe has been the main cheerleader, coordinator, and co-creator artist. Roger Gillett and Dean who worked on the towers. Elvira in Mexico working on translations. Katt G and JC in the Philippines working on posters and production. Yasna of Tar Danza, and our friends here in Chile who have been working with us. Our Kickstarter friends, and the many volunteers who have helped. Thank you all. We are profoundly grateful for all of your help.
Sunday, our apartment looks over the snow covered Andes and the Mapuche Cultural Center in the former train station. There is a peace and calm as the elections are over, and people are enjoying time with their families.
Updates at www.namayaproductions.com/blog & facebook memoria.hablar.dignidad.
