The Cuban comedian Leonardo Santiesteban, known as Leo Maraca, shared an amusing anecdote experienced at the Cuban Customs, where he thought he would encounter problems for impersonating former president Raúl Castro. However, what seemed like a moment of tension turned into an unexpected gesture when an airport worker called him over to ask for a photo and told him that he enjoyed the character.
He told me that he even liked what I did as Raúl. I'm not afraid because I do it with respect. Whether he's a dictator or not, he's just another character that I interpret, Maraca recounted in an interview with the YouTuber Robert Santiago el Cubano on the program Gracias Porvenir, broadcast by Latinísima.
During the conversation, the comedian recalled several episodes of censorship that marked his career on the island. One of them was when he was banned from performing a sketch in which a robot from the year 3000 announced the end of hunger, interpreted as a criticism of Fidel Castro.
Additionally, he confessed that he endured months of persecution after sharing a photo of the deceased in Mazorra. "I spent three months with a motorcycle parked in front of my house, and they even tried to extract information from me with a girl at a nightclub," he said about the pressure he received from State Security.
Although his life is devoted to making people laugh, Leo Maraca also spoke about the toughest moments. He recalled that just three months after emigrating to the United States, he lost his mother. "That same day, I had to go out and perform. Humor heals, although later in the dressing room, one can crumble," he confessed.
With more than three decades of experience in Cuba, where he was part of the humorous duo "Los Dracos", the actor insists that humor has been his refuge and his way of resisting. "We comedians always tell the truth. Perhaps it's embellished, but it's the truth." he stated.
Since arriving in the United States in November 2022, Santiesteban has worked on programs such as The Sons of Putin, where he portrays the Raúl Castro of his anecdote, in Havana in Hialeah, and in Kicking the Can Miami, in addition to creating his own content on social media.
In a previous interview with CiberCuba, he recalled that he left the island when he could no longer make a living from humor and had to survive by reselling picadillo. However, his departure allowed him to reconnect with his daughter in Miami and give a new boost to his career.
Today, at 54 years old, Leo Maraca asserts that his goal is to leave a legacy of characters and videos that keep the laughter and memory of Cubans alive. “Humor is my way of turning tears into jokes. It’s the only thing that has always saved me,” he concluded.
Frequently Asked Questions about Political Humor in Cuba and Censorship
Why doesn't Leo Maraca fear portraying Raúl Castro in Cuba?
Leo Maraca is not afraid to portray Raúl Castro because he does so with respect. Despite the tensions this could create in a country where political humor can be a cause for censorship, the comedian has indicated that his character is a form of artistic expression aimed at entertaining without offending.
What experiences of censorship has Leo Maraca faced in Cuba?
Leo Maraca has faced several episodes of censorship in Cuba, such as when he was prohibited from performing a sketch that criticized the hunger situation in the country. He also endured months of persecution for sharing a photo of the deceased in Mazorra. These experiences reflect the challenges that artists on the island encounter when addressing sensitive issues.
How has censorship impacted the career of Leo Maraca and other Cuban comedians?
Censorship has significantly impacted the careers of comedians like Leo Maraca, forcing them to emigrate in search of better opportunities. Leo Maraca left Cuba when he could no longer make a living from humor and had to turn to other activities to survive. This situation is common among Cuban comedians who choose to express critical opinions about the regime.
What role does humor play in Leo Maraca's life?
Humor has been a refuge and a way to resist for Leo Maraca. Throughout his career, the comedian has used humor to confront challenges and express truths in an embellished manner. His aim is to leave a legacy that keeps the laughter and the memory of the Cuban people alive.
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