“I support the belief that all artistic manifestations — those in existence and those yet to be — as well as all styles and tendencies, are nothing more than the universal possibility of expanding the creator’s spirit.”
Actor Carlos Perez Peña, the founder of the famous Teatro Escambray and winner of the 2009 National Theater Award, spoke with HT about his life on stage and the motivations behind his career.
“Being part of the Television Ballet I went on many international tours, some for only a few weeks and others — like with the Tihany Circus — for a year and a half.”
Augusto Enriquez, the former lead singer with the popular Cuban group Moncada, was the sole Cuban artist invited to sing with the great Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti in his memorable benefit concerts.
Currently Cuban ballerinas are like their Russian counterparts of the 1970s and ‘80s, and for very similar reasons. They have that type of strong but subtle influence; they can be found all over the world, and they’re always in first ranks.
Well, when I was in Cuba and I made the decision to leave for Spain to look for work, I was in my fourth year of acting school. When I left I was only a few months short of graduating, but I knew that immediately after finishing I wouldn’t be allowed to leave Cuba for a few years [to perform National Social Service work required of all graduates]. So, I had to weigh the value of having a degree in my hands or leaving at that moment in search of my future; I always pay attention to my intuition – so I left.
HT interviews Maykel Herrera, a visual artist whose work has already attained a privileged position among Cuban contemporary artists for its impact in exhibits and the interest shown by the public. “I consider myself a very observant individual, a person who nurtures themselves from all experiences. I take advantage of every day to the maximum,” says Maykel.
HT interviews Reinier Mariño, a recognized flamenco guitarist from Cuba who left the island several years ago to pursue a fruitful international career. “I love to play; it’s perhaps what I love most in life. I would dare to say, with all sincerely, that I like playing the guitar more than making love,” says the musician.
When I look back and recall how I began in elementary school as a little child who barely knew what it really meant to be a dancer, this is when I realize that I’m realizing a dream.
This year has been very fruitful for my career as a soloist in the company. In March I realized my premiere as Nikiya in “The Bayadere,” a beautiful ballet which had the great challenge of not having been staged in Cuba for more than six years and only the Prodanza company was doing it.