Featuring performances, displays of puppets used in various productions, and tributes to puppeteers, the province hosts the "Tunita" event from September 12 to 14, celebrating the 55th anniversary of Los Zahoríes, the first local puppet theater troupe.
Las Tunas, Cuba.– The event opens this Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at the Raúl Gómez García Hall —the troupe's home base— with a puppet exhibition and a segment from the production Fábula de un caminante (Fable of a Traveler). Directed by Frank Herrera, this new production involves new members and addresses environmental themes. The performance will be repeated on Sunday at the same time, followed by a show from Verónica Hinojosa —winner of the National Community Culture Award— featuring Tesoro de Papel (Paper Treasure).
The program also includes a performance on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. at the Buena Vista Theater by actress Yaima Guerrero, appearing as her clown character, Tonguita. The closing ceremony is scheduled for Monday the 14th —the actual 55th anniversary of the theater group— featuring a tribute to actors who have left their mark on Los Zahoríes trajectory. A segment of Juanito y las Semillas (Jack and the Beanstalk), the first children's play premiered by the troupe in 1971, will be presented; this also serves as a tribute to the late Dulce María Rodríguez, one of the founding actresses.
Speaking to 26 about the current activities and challenges facing Los Zahoríes, General Director Juan Raúl Velázquez Quintana said: “Right now, the puppet theater company is in a phase of revitalization. We have been hit by staff departures for various reasons, material shortages, the energy crisis, and other obstacles. Nevertheless, we are holding creative workshops to recruit new members, and actresses Yaima Guerrero, Clotilde Aguillón, and Verónica Hinojosa —who are highly respected in the guild— remain active. In this regard, young people with aptitude who wish to join still have time to come to the ‘Raúl Gómez García’ Hall.”
“On another note, since March we have resumed using black-light techniques in our rehearsals —a style that defined our work in the past— though the instability of the power supply complicates the process. Still, we are not giving up on this ambition, thanks to the support of Ivo Dovale.”
Velázquez Quintana also announced that work is underway on the production Cucalambeando, a puppet-based tribute to Juan Cristóbal Nápoles Fajardo (known as "El Cucalambé"). This project represents a novel approach for the company and will also honor improvisers Justo Vega and Adolfo Alfonso. “We already have the designs for the puppets, costumes, and set, as well as the script. The piece blends various puppet manipulation techniques with black-light effects. It is being directed by Ivo Dovale himself, who brings extensive experience to our artistic world. We expect it to be ready in the coming months," said "Velazquito" —as the leader is known— looking ahead.
Since its founding on September 14, 1971, the Los Zahoríes puppet theater troupe has never ceased its work, despite the challenges encountered along the way. Although the troupe has been forced to alter its aesthetic style and the conditions at the venue are far from ideal—with an urgent need for stage machinery and air conditioning repairs—they cling to the hope that, with the support of the relevant authorities, the theater will one day regain its former splendor. 26 joins this call; our theatrical history and future demand it.