National Theater of Cuba: 63 Years for Culture

Its history is also part of Cuban culture, therefore, this 63^rd anniversary to which the National Theater reaches implies a retelling of many of the most outstanding events and personalities that distinguish the artistic life of this nation.

Artists like Alicia Alonso, Rosita Fornés, Frank Fernández, Leo Brouwer, Antonio Gades, Silvio Rodríguez, Mercedes Sosa... groups such as the National Ballet of Cuba and the Bolshoi, and Monte Carlo Ballets, the National Symphony Orchestra..., as well as many of the most important theater groups and companies have given prestige to their spaces and multiplied cheers.

Also housing outstanding competitions such as the Adolfo Guzmán Cuban music contest, while its exhibition spaces, the René Portocarrero and Covarrubias galleries, have also embraced creations by established artists and new artists, without forgetting community artistic work, because the National Theater is for all audiences as is the culture that makes us what we are.

Its modern architecture comprises two wards: the Covarrubias, with capacity for 850 people between its two mezzanines, and the Avellaneda, with capacity for 2,254 people between its three mezzanines.

The first of them was named after the considered founder of Cuban theater Francisco Covarrubias (1775-1850), while the second was named after the outstanding figure of Cuban letters Gertrudis Gómez de Avellaneda.

A theater that has made history

Since theaters in Cuba were reopened last October 15^th, after the restrictions imposed by the pandemic, the Nacional Theater is the only one that is operating in the country's capital.

This was stated by Nereida López Labrada, director of that institution, to the Cuban TV Cultural Newscast, adding that, therefore, they work from Monday to Monday responding to a very varied cultural programming.

On October 25^th, 1952, the construction contract for the theater was signed, contemplating that it would be finished 18 months later. But when the triumph of the Revolution on January 1^st, 1959, the work was still unfinished.

The Day for this 63^rd anniversary began on May 28^th with the Third International Meeting for Girls and Boys. In addition to other options, these days will host, at night, the Camagua folk company, from Camagüey, which will also offer a special tribute to theater workers.

«The most important thing is the recognition of the workers of the National Theater, their persistence, dedication, and commitment; especially the technical crew, who remain behind the scenes, but make everything possible, "said López Labrada.

She also specified that on the occasion of the anniversary, workers with more than 20 and 25 years of service will receive the Raúl Gómez García distinction and, considering the condition of public servants that accompanies those who work there, different organizations and institutions will recognize the immense work that holds the National Theater and its history.