Havana’s Teatro Martí will be reopened on Monday night, after being subjected to a complex renovation work by the Office of the City Historian.
The neoclassical building, which hosted the Cuban Bufo theater and zarzuela, has been adjusted with the times and will feature a woodwork of two faces: the exterior, wooden, will preserve the original look of the theater while the interior, aluminum and glass ensure tightness demanded by today’s HVAC and sound.
The timing of its revival does not become casual: on February 24, 1899 the El Grito de Baire zarzuela was released to celebrate the anniversary of the War of Independence, and was attended by Generalissimo Maximo Gomez and other chiefs and officers of the Liberation Army.
The opening show is called Back to Marti and will consist of fragments of masterpieces of Cuban scene as Cecilia Valdés , Amalia Batista and a potpourri composed all the songs that made the soundtrack of the Belle of the Alhambra film.
A suggestive version of Mesié Julián is also expected, and some scenes from The Merry Widow, a moment that will serve to pay homage to the great Cuban vedette Rosita Fornes, who performed many times in the iconic theater.
The show, which will be absolutely live, has the unique feature that includes an orchestra equal to that of yore.
The musical direction is by Maestro Miguel Patterson and part of Cuba’s National, Vocal Leo and ICRT Choirs. Also it will include the performances of the National Folkloric Ensemble and Liszt Alfonso and Historic Center Amphitheater Ballets.
It will be a short show, only 50 minutes and will have as special guests Aurora Basnuevo and Mario Limonta, who will open the night with a scene of vernacular theater.
Photos: Roberto Ruiz
