Episode #1: The Re-Enactors

(Pincha aqui para version en Castellano)

Among the first people I met when I started my research for  this project was a small group of Civil War re-enactors.   Because this war is a sensitive subject in Spain, the existence of such a group seemed truly remarkable at the time.  In fact, less than a half hour had transpired since a pair of executives at an local production company had told me with knowing chuckles that there wasn’t and would never be re-enactors in Spain.  It was simply too radical an idea.  Well, the world changes, whether or not we choose to recognize this, and this situation illustrates exactly what this series is about.  

In the years since, Civil War re-enacting has become one of the most visible aspects of the breakdown of Spain’s Pact of Oblivion.  At a time when affronts to this social contract to forget the war and the ensuing dictatorship are typically confrontational or at least highly political, these re-enactors struggle to practice their hobby in a spirit of reconciliation.  But is it even possible to play at war for the goal of peace?

Note:  There is a high-quality version of this film available through the button on the lower right.  It takes a little while to download, but it’s worth it.

Paco Ibañez Concert Promises an Emotional Journey to the Past

I have to admit Mr. Ibañez was new to me before I received this notice, but his fans are unequivocal in their support of this singer-songwriter whose style and lyrics conjure the sorrows of the death of the Republic and the aftermath of exile that so many suffered.   For those of you in range, his next concert, dedicated to the memory of poet Antonio Machado and to the Spanish Republic, will take place on February 21, appropriately in  Argeles sur Mer, site of one of the concentration camps where thousands of Spanish refugees were interned after the war.

http://www.aflordetiempo.com/argeles.htm