“Look, it looks like it's alive!” said young Yoan Santiago Verdecie in front of the mirror. Before his eyes, Tadeo the rabbit came to life. “No, it's alive because you're bringing it to life!” replied Clotilde Aguillón, founder of the Los Zahoríes puppet theater, excitedly. This is how they remember the first steps of Alegría de Vivir, a project they support under the auspices of the Nicolás Guillén Foundation (FNG in Spanish) in the province.
The initiative, although only a year old, stands out for its sensitivity and demonstrates the value of art when it is fully dedicated to the audience's benefit. On that day, when the puppeteer “lost” one of her beloved puppets (because Yoan has never been able to part with Tadeo), she “gained” an apprentice and, more than that, the heart of someone with special educational needs who would see in Pilar Aguillón's sister a role model, a friend, another mother who gave him life...
Since then, every third Saturday of the month, these theater artists come to the home for children without parental care in the capital city to offer culture, values, and good energy. Clotilde still remembers certain words: “I'm sorry, I know it was borrowed, but you can't take the rabbit away from me; when I'm sad, I look at it, and I feel happy.” She loves to teach and affirms that each person has their own characteristics. “Yoan is very intelligent and dynamic. At first, he would say to me, ‘I don't know,’ and I would reply, ‘It doesn't matter, I'll teach you.’”
The art of puppetry can achieve many things because, through puppets, we can express what we feel and what we have experienced. That's why the first thing I taught Yoan was technique. He lived in the same building as me, in the Buena Vista neighborhood. He was always around me because he was attracted to the puppets. One day, he said to me, ‘I want to participate in an event where puppets are the priority, and you're going to help me...’. Then came the mirror exercise. That would be the seed of our journey together through culture," says Clotilde, acknowledging that she has also learned from Yoan because, although she is a master of the stage, he has surpassed her.
“He lets himself go. Sometimes I demand a lot from him, I know, but when a piece isn't ready, it isn't ready. A play must take the time it needs. I insist on one thing: ‘You must give yourself your place, respect yourself as an actor, and respect the audience. Because of the quality you have, that's how they will respect you.’ For Yoan, it is no less rewarding. ”This project makes me wake up happy every day. Working with the children at the shelter... I really like it. More than my teacher, Clotilde is like a godmother of theater to me. If it weren't for her, I wouldn't know how to manipulate puppets or everything I know now," he says.
About a certain “talking” rabbit, he says: "Tadeo is a mischievous puppet, he's controlled from the back of his head. He's cute and creative, but also mischievous and inventive; sometimes he even says words he shouldn't...“ He's not the only character he animates, but he undoubtedly occupies a special place in his work. ”Bringing a puppet to life isn't easy, but it's not difficult either. I love all of them like they're my children," he adds.
On the other hand, Yoan says that from the beginning, it was clear that he wanted to bring the “Joy of Living” to the institution that hosts this cultural activity to this day. “The children there call me dad, uncle, or cousin; they show me sincere affection.” For her part, Clotilde says: "There are children there with potential for many things, not just puppetry. Some like dancing, literature, or other forms of expression."
“Sometimes we dress up as clowns and play with them; other times, we do workshops. You can see their love for art. We always try to put on a different show and use various techniques to attract the children. We have encountered shy little ones, and with theater and dedication, they have become part of our work.”
She reaffirms the importance of similar projects in various institutions, especially those that are inclusive and aimed at vulnerable groups. Quite simply, "people discover how much they can achieve. Families also notice their development. Yoan has discovered significant potential for the performing arts and literature; health limitations have not prevented him from developing his talent. We must not discard anyone, but rather support, encourage, and value them."
This is not the only project they have. For several years, Clotilde has been promoting Canturía a lo Guillén at the Jorge Aleaga special school, with excellent results. Likewise, Tadeo's interpreter is following in his footsteps in the art of the stage and is already taking on his own activities, such as an animation and puppet-making workshop, which is currently hosted by the FNG headquarters in Las Tunas.
“There is no better gift for us than to see children laugh; their joy is worth more than anything. We want them to integrate into society aware of their value,” says the daughter of Los Zahoríes. “They are my joy in life,” adds Yoan. So, if you see them, open your heart to them; you will surely learn many good things.