Welcome to our Gran Malón in solidarity with writer and theatre artist Carmen Aguirre.

We're hosting a benefit for Carmen and invite you to make a contribution. Carmen, author of the national bestseller Something Fierce: Memoirs of a Revolutionary Daughter, which won Canada Reads  in 2012, was owed $60,000 in royalties when D&M Publishers went bankrupt later that year. She never received any of that money. Carmen makes her living as a writer and an independent theatre artist, and whatever we raise through this campaign will go directly to her.

Malón is a Chilean term of Mapuche origin. Initially, its meaning had to do with Mapuche raids/assaults on the Spaniards, but in the last fifty to sixty years it evolved to mean a big party where everybody "takes over/assaults" somebody's house (with their previous consent) and contributes with food, music and whatever else is needed to have a good time.

In this case, we're requesting financial contributions and, if you are in the region, your attendance at our Gran Malón in solidarity with Carmen on Monday, June 9 at Heritage Hall, Vancouver.  There will be food, readings and performances—and we'll have a good time! Autographed copies of the Douglas & McIntyre edition of Something Fierce will be for sale at the event (again, all proceeds go directly to Carmen).

Date: Monday, June 9
Time: 7:30 to 11:00 p.m.
Location: Heritage Hall
Address: 3102 Main Street, Vancouver (at 15th Ave.)

We have creative ticket pricing for this event, $20 to $500. If you prefer to send a cheque or e-interac, please send us an email directly at granmalon[at]gmail.com.  You can choose to attend in person or virtually. With your virtual attendance, we'll thank you by name during the evening's program. 

Purchasing options:

BUY NOW

Cash at the door*

*We are expecting this event to sell out and recommend you purchase your tickets in advance.https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/gran-malon-in-solidarity-with-carmen-aguirre-tickets-11372775277

A stellar list of writers and performers will be joining Carmen on stage over the course of the evening:

Comedian and political satirist Lalo Espejo (emcee)
Award-winning novelist and poet Carmen Rodriguez
Acclaimed actors/playwrights Lucia Frangione, Leanna Brodie and Jovanni Sy

DJ Adriana will spin some dance music and pump up the revelry at the end of the program.

And don’t forget all the delicious food and drink we’ll be serving:
Empanadas – Salteñas – Desserts galore - Iced coffee from Café Justicia - and more!