05/19/2026
Join us in celebrating the 2026 Fête de la Bretagne/Brittany Day on May 19 at 6 p.m. at the Cultural Center of the Lycée français de New York, as we take a historical journey into the lives of the women workers at the sardine factories in Douarnenez in the 1920's.
In 1925, Joséphine Pencalet, a young worker at the sardine canneries in Douarnenez, Brittany, became the first woman elected in France—20 years before women were granted the right to vote. Her election came on the heels of the victory of the women sardine factory worker’ strike, whose struggle had captured the nation’s attention in 1924.
The event will start a screening of historical documentary “Conserveries. de Poissons. De l'atelier à l'usine,” around a complimentary buffet with drinks and Breton specialties, including Breton sardine toasts, kouign amann cake by Dominique Ansel and Breton potato chips Brets, followed by a performance of Alain Péron’s play, directed by Valérie Delva, “Votez Joséphine” depicting the extraordinary life of the young sardine worker and addressing issues that are still relevant more than ever today: the role of women in politics, workers’ solidarity, and citizenship.
The play is performed in French with English supertitles.
This event is made possible with the support of Région Bretagne.
Tickets available in Bio.
