Cuba Week

This week at The University of Alabama, we have had several guest on campus from Cuba in various positions. One of the guests is the President of Theatre and Arts in Cuba and in more relatable terms, he is essentially the Artistic Director of ALL the theatres in Cuba. Wow! He was invited to one of the acting classes this afternoon and at the end of class time there was opportunity for questions. One question was "What is different about the youth of Cuba compared to the youth of America?" His answer was astonding to me. He stated that Cuba is a small island with limited resources and funding, so things like video games and movies are limited and the youth of Cuba is seen reading and spending more time outdoors and in literature. This was interesting to me, because many people think that a limited country like Cuba would need more money to have the amentities that a country like America has, but I think in many ways, Cuba is better off without them. Their youth is forced to read and grow their imagination rather than have the over stimulus of a movie or video game readily available.

Another question asked was, "What is more popular, a career in film or a career in theatre in Cuba?" His answer didn't surprise anyone; that a career in film is more desired, due to international renown and easier fame. But what he added to the end of his response was very touching. He said that many, after working in film and television for a while, would return to theatre to VALIDATE themselves and their work and to get back into that  "real" performance of theatre.

What we do is such a beautiful thing and witnessing someone else from another country who shares that love and passion was invigorating.

Live and love,
Reagan