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The actor Orlando Barthelemy Rojas, an emblematic figure of the puppet theater in Santiago de Cuba, has begun to receive assistance thanks to public solidarity, following a moving plea shared on social media.
The Cuban activist Yasser Sosa Tamayo reported on Facebook the extreme situation of the artist, who dedicated decades of his life to educating generations of children through puppetry, and who is now surviving in inhumane conditions, completely forgotten by cultural institutions and the Cuban government.
“I went to visit Orlando Barthelemy, that tremendous actor from the Guiñol theater whom the institutions and the government allowed to wither away, condemned to the harshest poverty, as if art were worthless when the curtain falls,” wrote Sosa.
The visit to the actor took place amid a severe economic crisis in Cuba. The activist described a heartbreaking scene: Barthelemy without electricity, without hot food, without a mattress, sleeping on old blankets, without potable water, and surrounded by physical and emotional neglect.
"I found him sweaty, sticky, defeated by the heat, because there was no air conditioning. Not a damn fan to relieve him," he reported.
The testimony shook consciences. Sosa not only highlighted the material decline of the artist but also the absolute lack of protection in which he found himself: without close family, without institutional support, without a guild to represent him, and without a union to defend him.
"Orlando is like a tragic character from his own script, a Don Quixote without a lance, an old rebellious runaway who still resists as the country collapses around him," he wrote.
Thanks to the mobilization generated by the complaint, the actor received a bed donated by activist Ingrid Arenas González and food contributions from Marion Kahrens, Sosa noted on Facebook.
In addition, others have committed to continue providing support in the coming days.
"This time I wasn't alone... I was with you. With each one who shared the complaint, with every soul that felt pain and turned it into action," expressed the activist.
Sosa emphasized that Barthelemy's case is not an isolated incident, but a painful reflection of the systematic neglect faced by many Cuban artists who, after dedicating their lives to art, end up forgotten.
"It is the grotesque and sad reflection of the systematic abandonment of our artists, our elders, and our living history," he stated.
The post concluded with a call to action and empathy: "This cannot continue. Orlando cannot die like this. If you can help, message me. If you can't, share. But don't stay silent. Because silence can also kill."
Amid widespread helplessness, stories like that of Orlando Barthelemy highlight the role that Cuban civil society can play in the face of institutional inaction. Where empathy resides, hope blossoms.
Although it is incredible, his case is not unique. At 80 years old, Dr. Raúl González Hernández, a Cuban scientist, Doctor of Sciences, and lead researcher, survives by selling coffee at a stand, after dedicating his life to research and being the creator of the well-known nutritional supplement Trofin.
Similarly, the actress Miriam Mier Vidal, one of the most respected figures in the Cuban artistic scene, was touched by a gesture of generosity that has moved many: a Cuban gifted her a walker to assist with her mobility.
Frequently Asked Questions About Artist Abandonment in Cuba
Why doesn't Orlando Barthelemy Rojas receive support from the Cuban government?
Orlando Barthelemy Rojas, like many other Cuban artists, has been a victim of systematic neglect by the government and cultural institutions of the country. Despite dedicating his life to the puppet theater in Santiago de Cuba, Barthelemy survives in inhumane conditions without institutional support. This situation reflects a common pattern of negligence towards those who have significantly contributed to art and culture in Cuba.
How has Cuban civil society helped Orlando Barthelemy Rojas?
The Cuban civil society has responded with solidarity to the situation of Orlando Barthelemy Rojas following the report made by activist Yasser Sosa Tamayo. Thanks to this mobilization, Barthelemy has received a bed and food donated by citizens concerned for his well-being. The report has also helped to highlight the issue and raise awareness about the abandonment of artists on the island.
What is the role of social media in mobilizing support for Cuban artists?
Social media has played a crucial role in mobilizing support for Cuban artists in vulnerable situations. Through platforms like Facebook, activists and citizens have been able to report cases of neglect, such as that of Orlando Barthelemy Rojas, and coordinate efforts to provide material and emotional support. These actions have demonstrated the power of social media to apply pressure and effect change in a context of institutional inaction.
What other cases of abandonment of Cuban artists have been reported recently?
In addition to the case of Orlando Barthelemy Rojas, similar situations of neglect have been reported regarding artists such as Samuel Claxton and Iyaima Martínez. Claxton, a prominent figure in Cuban cinema and television, has faced difficulties in obtaining basic medical supplies, while Martínez has received community support due to her fragile health. These cases illustrate a widespread issue of neglect towards aging or ill artists in Cuba.
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