Interview with Holguin, Cuba Actor Ruben Mulet
By Lien Estrada
HAVANA TIMES – We call him the family doctor because whenever we have digestive issues, he’s the one kind enough to “massage” our legs, and that’s how we regain our health. He also works night shifts as a guard at the local market because our Ruben neither receives remittances nor social assistance. And surviving on just a pension is impossible.
Like most Cubans these days, Ruben must face the economic challenges on the island. Life is extremely expensive, compounded by power outages and the many difficulties of living in a country experiencing a severe crisis.
But our guard and “doctor” is first and foremost an actor —a lifelong theater actor. He lives alone and has a daughter who resides in Russia. He retired from the Cultural Center in Holguín but, like many retirees in Cuba, immediately returned to work. He continues to engage in cultural projects, performing for elementary and secondary schools in the Holguin area, where he resides.
Mr. Mulet, where and when were you born?
On August 25, 1942, in a place called Ojo de Agua, between Banes and Sao Arriba, here in what was Oriente province.
When did you first encounter theater?
In primary school. I was very good at improvisations, and a teacher named Roberto praised me, saying I had a knack for theater. I even wrote a small play.
Where did you study theater? Has it always been your vocation?
First at the Comodoro in Havana, for three years. Then in Leningrad, now Saint Petersburg, for five years.
Yes, it’s my vocation. I’ve always felt that way and still do. There was an open call for a three-month seminar at the Comodoro in Havana, which I attended. The panel included Raquel Revuelta, Adela Escartín, and Bebo Ruiz.
What do you like most and least about your work?
The praise! I love the applause, that visible, unmistakable recognition from the audience, it’s such a privilege.
What I like least is when the performances go badly. It’s incredibly disheartening.
Have you ever doubted the importance of your art, especially during challenging times, like the current economic crisis in Cuba?
No, I’ve never doubted the importance of theater in society, no matter the circumstances. Theater enhances human relationships, denounces injustices, critiques its sociocultural context, generates ideas, and gives life meaning. Theater has never been insignificant, not since its origins with the Greeks.
How long have you been involved in theater? And where have you worked?
I’ve been on stage for 59 years! After graduating, I worked in Vertiente, Camagüey, starting in 1963. Those were tough times, as we were also helping to rebuild after Hurricane Flora. We had to support factories and cooperatives too. Later, I worked in the Sierra Maestra, picked coffee in Sagua, and performed in Moa, Pinares de Mayari, Manzanillo, and Bayamo.
In those days, wherever you were sent, you worked. I also trained emerging art instructors in a military setting in Caimanera, near the border [with the US Naval Base].
In Holguín, while working in a military unit, Carlos Gondin approached me about studying in Russia. I said, “You’re asking a frog if it wants to jump into the lake.” That’s when he gave me a letter to present in Havana for a scholarship in Saint Petersburg.
While studying in Russia, we were once offered paid vacation work in Siberia. Many of us went, but afterward, they asked us to donate that pay to the Cuban state. We protested so much that they eventually paid us part of the money.
And after returning to Cuba?
I think I’ve worked across the entire island as a theater instructor or actor and in other assigned tasks. Those were very complex times. After three years in Bayamo, I returned to Holguin and joined the Guiñol, a theater for children. Finally, I started at the Cultural Center, where I still work.
Do you enjoy working with children?
Yes, I think my greatest achievements have been with them.
Who is your favorite playwright?
Arthur Miller, Death of a Salesman.
Do you make it a point to read a lot? Is reading necessary for an actor?
Yes, I can’t live without reading. I read constantly, and I believe it’s crucial for anyone in acting. The more literary knowledge an actor has, the more depth and variety they can bring to their characters. This literary arsenal is fundamental to creation.
What kinds of books do you prefer besides theater?
Short stories and novels. Some novels are incredible.
Any advice for young artists just starting their careers?
Live it passionately and with joy.
Thank you, Mr. Ruben Mulet. It’s been an immense pleasure speaking with you. Best of luck!