Winds of the People: An Evening of Storytelling, Food and Folk Song

Winds of the People

An evening of story, food and music exploring Latin American social movements from the 60s to the present day through folk songs from Chile, Argentina & Uruguay, sung together, with original translations and personal storytelling of exile and diáspora identity. 

The evening will include delicious vegan food, supporting a family of talented chefs in their migration journey. This event will take place at the magical OrganicLea; a community farm and workers coop in Chingford, North-East London - an easily accessible city respite for anyone who wants a bit of nature after a week in the smog. 

Winds of the People exposes how Latin folk song was inseparable from Panamerican revolutionary struggles in 20th century, and how dictatorship, exile and intergenerational memory are sustained by songs that live on in all those who dare to keep them alive.

"Keeping the folk flame alive by cross-pollinating spaces and communities in ways only Alex can” - Sam Lee

About Alex Etchart

British Uruguayan Alex Etchart was raised in the fierce polyrhythms and majestic harmonies of London's South American refugee diáspora. They have written dozens of original songs for contemporary queer, decolonial and environmental social movements and preserve and translate folk songs from the golden era of South American folk revival.

@alexetchart

About Pepa Duarte

Singer and percussionist Pepa Duarte is an actor, multilingual voiceover artist, dramaturg and bona fide auteur, who has been in countless stage productions, major BBC series and her solo piece Eating Myself has toured across the UK and to China, twice! Her mentorship programmes and drag persona Señorita Rita visibilise migrant experiences in the UK.

@pepaduartes

About the chefs 

Mother-daughter duo Adriana and Keydy, hailing from Honduras, have been bringing the taste of Central America to OrganicLea's kitchen since arriving in the UK in 2022. They combine farm-fresh seasonal veg with classic Latin American dishes to create plant-based flavour sensations. 

About the venue

OrganicLea is a community farm and workers' coop. We grow and distribute food locally, inspiring and supporting others to do the same, to shape a better food system that cares for people and planet. We are a Garden of Sanctuary: we come together to create a safe space where people feel valued and work for refugee and migrant justice. 

Find us in Chingford, on the edge of Epping Forest. The nearest station is Chingford Overground, from there you can walk, cycle or catch a bus to our site. For more information on how to find us and public transport routes see: https://organiclea.org.uk/contact-us/

Cost: £20 for dinner and the show. Concession prices are available, and we invite those who can pay it forward to pay our solidarity price.