Lessons from La terremoto
It’s hard to give joy to others. But moments of joy in the midst of daily hardship are exactly what’s on offer from the 26 de Diciembre foundation.
This Madrid-based LGBT charity for elderly people is the subject of the deeply bittersweet and inspiring documentary of the same name - showing as part of Fringe! on Sunday November 18 at Hackney House.
The charity’s residents have had a past of social repression and imprisonment, and face present-day economic hardship and marginalisation. So how does the foundation - and its volunteers and residents - help? With companionship, patience… and the odd singalong. No spoilers, but one of the most heartwarming bits of 26 de Diciembre involves the 1971 diva classic Achilipú - belted out in this video by its co-writer Dolores Vargas, aka La terremoto - or ‘the earthquake’.
(And yes, Dolores’ iconic hand movements also get due tribute, as do a couple of her high kicks.)
In Silvia Maggi’s film, the residents’ different stories are objectively horrifying. In the Franco era, they were imprisoned and beaten up. These days, they find themselves invisible to a younger LGBTI population, and have a hard time even finding a roof over their heads, after the financial crisis pulverised Spain’s economy.
But, with the help of the foundation, and Dolores, they can find some moments of joy.
To which you can only say: A-chi-li-PU a-PU a-PU.
