Cuban Cigar Factory: Reader

For the past 150 years, cigar factories in Cuba have employed “readers.” These people read aloud–newspapers, poetry, novels, and other materials–while the workers cut and roll cigars.

Workers claim that it helps them learn about events going on around the world and also exposes them to a wealth of cultural knowledge.

Check out the video below, featuring a reader in Cuba. The video also shows some great shots of expert cigar-rollers at work. For English subtitles, click on the “CC” box at the bottom of the frame.