WITH A STROKE OF THE CHAVETA
Price: $210.00 Code: 2328 |
Directed by Pamela Sporn
2007, 28 minutes
Purchase: $210 Classroom Rental: $125
Don Quixote, Les Misérables, One Hundred Years of Solitude. The practice of reading classic works of literature to workers at cigar factories dates back to the mid-1800s. With a Stroke of the Chaveta explores this rich tradition that continues to flourish in Cuba.
With a Stroke of the Chaveta takes viewers into the legendary cigar factories of Cuba to witness the unique practice of the collective reading of literature while tabaqueros hand-roll cigars. From current events to classical literature, these readings shape and enlighten an often illiterate working-class society. Through interviews with highly-esteemed readers, we learn about the challenges of meeting the expectations of a knowledgeable and demanding workforce, and the satisfaction of receiving the applause of hundreds of chavetas in unison.
From the middle of the 1800s to the early 1900s "lectores," or readers, were an integral part of the world of cigar workers in Cuba, Puerto Rico, Florida, and New York. Through their readings, communities of cigar workers were entertained, educated, and developed a sense of class solidarity. Starting with the 10 Year War in Cuba, factory reading was banned by the authorities, and it was not until the workers' association was formed in the 1890s that factory reading regained its position as the "culture" in the workplaces.
With a Stroke of the Chaveta illustrates how this unique art form has stirred the masses and shaped politics throughout Cuba's history.
* Official Selection, New York African Diaspora Film Festival, 2009
2007, 28 minutes
Purchase: $210 Classroom Rental: $125
Don Quixote, Les Misérables, One Hundred Years of Solitude. The practice of reading classic works of literature to workers at cigar factories dates back to the mid-1800s. With a Stroke of the Chaveta explores this rich tradition that continues to flourish in Cuba.
With a Stroke of the Chaveta takes viewers into the legendary cigar factories of Cuba to witness the unique practice of the collective reading of literature while tabaqueros hand-roll cigars. From current events to classical literature, these readings shape and enlighten an often illiterate working-class society. Through interviews with highly-esteemed readers, we learn about the challenges of meeting the expectations of a knowledgeable and demanding workforce, and the satisfaction of receiving the applause of hundreds of chavetas in unison.
From the middle of the 1800s to the early 1900s "lectores," or readers, were an integral part of the world of cigar workers in Cuba, Puerto Rico, Florida, and New York. Through their readings, communities of cigar workers were entertained, educated, and developed a sense of class solidarity. Starting with the 10 Year War in Cuba, factory reading was banned by the authorities, and it was not until the workers' association was formed in the 1890s that factory reading regained its position as the "culture" in the workplaces.
With a Stroke of the Chaveta illustrates how this unique art form has stirred the masses and shaped politics throughout Cuba's history.
Subjects & Collections
Festivals & Awards
* Winner, Jury Award for Best Documentary Short, Cine Las Americas Film Festival, 2007* Official Selection, New York African Diaspora Film Festival, 2009