Description
There’s no perfect translation for sobremesa. It’s a cherished tradition across Latin America—that warm, beautiful time after a meal where you talk, debate, laugh… you sobremesa!
We’re hosting a sobremesa on Monday, May 5 at 7pm, with a combination of sweet treats, conversation, and the chance to delve into the fascinating, brilliant world of contemporary Mexican literature that you’ll definitely want to know about.
Facilitated by Jorge Amigo (Head of Cultural Programming at the Vancouver Public Library) and Sarah Revilla-Sanchez (UBC doctoral candidate in Hispanic Studies), we’ll be celebrating Cinco de Mayo not merely as a day of festivity but as a chance to acknowledge the ongoing fight for decolonization and equity.
Inspired by la sobremesa, you’ll be seated at our long table with traditional hot drinks, conchas and other snacks to share. Jorge and Sarah will walk you through some of the brilliant contemporary voices shaping Mexico’s literary landscape—one where the present is pervaded by the past and where fiction offers a means to imagine alternative futures. Together, we’ll dive into Mexico’s complex postcoloniality, its diasporas, the ongoing struggle against gender based violence, and the literary minds at the forefront of these reflections.
You’ll leave with a special itacate—a comprehensive take-home reading list of must-discover authors from Mexico to continue exploring from home…. and some extra warmth and delight.
To support our non-profit programming and to help us cover costs, this event is $30. Tickets available here.
More about the facilitators:
Jorge Amigo is the Head of Cultural Programming for the Vancouver Public Library. He previously worked at the Toronto Public Library and Canada’s National Observer. Jorge has served on the boards of the PuSh Festival and the Indian Summer Festival, as a programming advisor for the Vancouver Latin American Cultural Centre, and sits on the City of Vancouver’s Arts & Culture Advisory Committee. Jorge is also proud to be part of the Upstart & Crow Board of Directors. He grew up in Mexico City and has lived in Canada since 2007.
Sarah Revilla-Sanchez (she/her) is a doctoral candidate in Hispanic Studies at the University of British Columbia. Her research examines how contemporary literary works by Mexican women are increasingly engaging with the Gothic mode to grapple with gender-based violence. She previously completed a master’s degree in Sociology at the University of Victoria and a master’s degree in Comparative Literatures and Arts at Brock University.
More about Upstart & Crow:
Upstart & Crow is a not-for-profit creative studio and literary incubator that champions writers, readers and stories, and the role they play in shaping our lives. We develop original programs, support artists and revel in creative projects focused on Literature In Translation / Climate Solutions / Poetry / Civic Dialogue / Community & Skills Building … all with the aim of elevating the role of literature and storytelling in our lives. Find us on Granville Island, Gibsons and online at upstartandcrow.com.
Accessibility:
The main studio of our shop is accessible for folks with mobility aids. There is a washroom on the main floor available for attendees.
Questions: hello[at]upstartandcrow.com.
