Just days after celebrating his 84th birthday, a great artist of the Cuban stage passed away this Wednesday in Havana. Gerardo Fulleda León—playwright, director, professor—leaves behind a significant body of work for the culture of this country. National Theater Award winner in 2014, his was one of the most fruitful careers in dramaturgy in contemporary Cuba.

Fulleda León was born in Santiago de Cuba on February 12, 1942, and from a very young age became involved in the theatrical scene. His first text, "La muerte diaria" (1960), paved the way for a career that would span more than five decades in Cuban letters and theater. His work as a playwright includes emblematic titles such as "Cal en las tumbas," "Ruandi," "Chago de Guisa," "Betún," "El ave del paraíso," "Voy por cigarros," and "La pasión desobediente," many of which have been performed on stages, radio, and television. His theater, profound and poetic, explored social and identity themes. He is an obligatory reference of the modern Cuban repertoire.

Fulleda León was for years the leader of the Rita Montaner Theater Company. His influence was not limited to stage productions but extended to the training of new generations of actors, playwrights, and directors: he was a professor at the University of the Arts (ISA) and coordinated seminars and workshops.

A member of the Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba (UNEAC), he was an active participant in debates on dramaturgy, performing arts, and literature convened by the organization.

The legacy of Gerardo Fulleda León is built on a vast and diverse body of work that dialogues with Cuban history and identity, as well as his contribution as a teacher and cultural manager. His theatrical pieces are an essential part of Cuba's scenic heritage.