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Like Ernesto, his character in the film Clandestinos, who risked his life for a different Cuba; or Elpidio, to whom he gave blood and soul in La vida es silbar, ready to confront his destiny and identity head-on, actor Luis Alberto García has fundamentally embraced the intellectual mission of being a critical and coherent voice in today's Cuban society.
He has done it without pretenses, “without calling the world to witness,” as Martí said good deeds should be done. And now, Cubans, in the digital agora where they find the minimal democracy that has been denied to them for decades on the streets of the Island, seek out his posts as a measure of courage and decency, in the face of so much daily hardship.
Defends a teacher and activist who is being mistreated for her bravery. Criticizes the state press that is complacently indulging in propaganda while the country collapses. Confronts the political police (euphemistically called "State Security") and tells them to “stop!”. Takes on challenges and tries to right the wrongs.
In a recent post, in which he announces the cancellation of the usual gathering he leads on Sundays in Havana, “La máquina de la melancolía” (Centro Cultural El Cabildo, Playa, 5:00-10:00pm), he expressed a couple of his thoughts candidly. “Hitting rock bottom,” he wrote at the beginning of the post; and a few lines below: “We do not see the end of this very dark tunnel at the moment.”
"I regret that we can't make the trip the day after tomorrow, March 22. We need to stop this almendrón," wrote the popular actor. He also wished his regular audience, who have accompanied him and the troubadour Frank Delgado for over 15 years: "Have a Sunday evening at home or somewhere else, if you can and if you're allowed... I invite you to believe in miracles."
Many users immediately expressed regret that this space, one of the most authentic in Havana's cultural scene, so severely affected by shortages and absurdities, would not be able to hold its event this weekend. Several, being consistent like the host of the gathering, pointed out that "the miraculous" will truly happen when the root of the problem can be uprooted.
"We are mutilated and without anesthesia; even disconnecting for at least one afternoon is impossible in this country. Let's hope for a miracle," wrote the forum member Rosa Oliday. Meanwhile, Malena Debora noted that "the night often seems darkest just before dawn."
Actor Héctor Noas expressed his sorrow over the news and emphasized how much people need events like this, “a kind of oasis amid the terrible.” “Fewer and fewer options,” he concluded.
A space for fun that cannot open; a few hours of recreation that turn into apathy, routine, or, most likely, a struggle against power outages and mosquitoes. A machine of sadness that replaces the vibrant energy of music.
Where is Cuba heading, that almendrón repeatedly repaired by the people, yet so mistreated by the drivers who are glued to the wheel? Who knows.
"I'll deliver them alive," seems to say Ernesto/Luis Alberto. We'll see how long that lasts.
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