La Mulatisima, forever

Aurora Basnuevo would have turned 85 this August 13. And she would have celebrated her birthday with the certainty that generations of Cubans consider her one of the greatest Cuban humorists. Indeed, she is one of the most beloved one.

She actually transcended humor. She proved her skills as a dramatic actress. She was a singer and entertainer. And she shone in all fields of interpretation: theater, cabaret, cinema, radio and television. Aurora Basnuevo was an all-rounder.

Her greatest merit was perhaps embodying the most playful and, at the same time, traditional spirit of her people. Of a very Cuban style was her scenic expression, essentially popular, without giving up certain popular taste.

She was never vulgar. She was never rude. And she, however, came to play characters of overflowing sensuality, seasoned with an unprejudiced comedy.

Through the most emblematic of her characters, the mulatta Estelvina, from the mythical radio program Alegrías de Sobremesa, she was part of millions of homes every night. Together with writer Alberto Luberta, she coined phrases that became part of the popular lexicon. La Mulatísima, her unforgettable nickname, summed up many of the edges of the Cuban idiosyncrasy.

Together with her inseparable Mario Limonta, Aurora Basnuevo formed one of the great duets of the Cuban performing arts. They dig deep into the sensibility of the people. They got a loyal audience.

Aurora Basnuevo was part of a great histrionic tradition in Cuba, which stems from the buffo, vernacular theater, of which she became a representative figure: The Cuban mulatta, witty and sensual. She thus became eternal in the imaginary of her nation.

Translated by Sergio A. Paneque Díaz / CubaSí Translation Staff