Teatro Sauto, a microcosm of the debacle in Cuba: Individual with mental health issues causes damage in the coliseum of Matanzas

A person suffering from dementia caused damage to the Teatro Sauto, a gem of architecture in the city of Matanzas and a National Monument, when they recently forced open a door in the lobby and gained access to the interior of the cultural venue.

“Fortunately, it only caused minor damage. Although he was temporarily detained, this gentleman continues to appear agitated by the delusions caused by his illness, which puts our safety at risk,” reported the
management of the theater this Tuesday in a post on their social media.

The emblematic institution expressed concern about the constant presence of people with mental health issues and homelessness seeking shelter in the coliseum's spaces.

"With profound sadness, we observe the increasing presence of homeless individuals seeking refuge in our doorway, in the absence of a more dignified place," the theater stated on its Facebook page.

In recent years, extreme poverty has grown in Cuba, due to the deepening of the multisystemic crisis affecting the country, and people are unable to meet basic needs such as food, transportation, access to medications, and adequate medical care. There is also an increase in addiction and the use of various drugs.

A report aired by Canal Caribe identified addictions as the main cause of the increase in beggary in the country, but avoided mentioning the structural causes and the state's failure to address the economic crisis that has lasted for over three decades.

Attacks on heritage

On the eve of its 162nd anniversary, the Sauto theater lamented that it faces daily issues ranging from vandalism on its walls to the use of its portals as public restrooms, while the Cuban authorities seem to turn a blind eye.

Vulgar inscriptions, footprints, and advertisements stuck to our walls; garbage thrown through the bars –sometimes carefully 'stuffed' through narrow spaces– even various excrements, hurt us daily,” he lamented.

The sum of assaults on the cultural colossus includes the use of the portals as public restrooms, while bicycles, motorcycles, and scooters are often parked on-site, “and many of their riders have responded disrespectfully to our employees.”

But the government negligence is also evident. The nearby café managed by the state company Artex harms the heritage with loud music and neglect.

"The lack of lighting in the Plaza de la Vigía and the frequent power outages worsen this situation, as does the complete absence of night watchmen in this heritage area, which has led to crimes such as the theft of the chains that symbolically closed our doorways and those of the neighboring Provincial Museum," he noted.

"This lack of protection exposes us to even more violent attacks," she warned, referring to the aggression reported in the post.

“Despite the many internal efforts aimed at the security and preservation of this Cuban national monument, the Sauto, without the respect of the citizens and the commitment of our management and safeguarding authorities, the beauty, glory, and service of the main cultural institution of Matanzas are not guaranteed,” he concluded.

State responsibility

Several internet users agreed that it is not just a matter of the citizenry.

In the comments on the post, the artist Adrián Socorro questioned that the island's government allocates resources to militarize squares to suppress protests, while cultural heritage is left neglected.

“El Parque de la Libertad (also in Matanzas) has been under siege for more than a year. Most of the people in the banks are on guard in case the enemy (the Cuban) decides to protest for which they have plenty of reasons. If they applied the same effort to repress and besiege to this problem… if that were a priority for them,” pointed out Socorro, alluding to the repressive actions against Professor and historian Alina Bárbara López Hernández.

The intellectual from Matanzas is known for her critical stance towards the Cuban government and her defense of human rights, and she has been a constant victim of harassment by State Security due to her activism and participation in peaceful protests.

Other comments on the Sauto publication confirmed that the Main Theater of the city of Camagüey faces similar issues, with an adjacent park that has turned into a baseball field where verbal assaults can be heard. “And no one is taking action; it has been reported to all authorities, but no one is tackling the problem. This is the situation for the emblematic theaters of the country,” stressed the internet user Greg Márquez.

Conservation experts indicate that the Office of the Conservator of Matanzas lacks the resources that its counterpart in Havana possesses.

While Edelys Barrios laments that "all our heritage is being destroyed and one day our great-grandchildren will suffer for the beauties that our lovely city has lost," Yasmani Luis Leal's words resonate like an epitaph: "Every day my city dies due to the lack of a sense of belonging and love for the city that has always sheltered us; it’s all very sad. Will we continue to be The Antennas of Cuba?"

Founded on April 6, 1863 during the colonial era, the Sauto is considered the most elegant and functional of the Cuban theaters of the 19th century, and has become a symbol of the city of Matanzas. On October 10, 1978, it was declared a National Monument.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Deterioration of Cultural Heritage in Cuba