By Ignacio Estrada Cepero, Independent Journalist
Havana, Cuba. Last weekend the America Theatre presented the show “Another Dawn”. The staging brought the Havana audience musical themes composed by Meme Solis one of Cuba’s most famous musicians. After his departure into exile his compositions were banned on Cuban stages, until this, the first tribute.
Meme’s musical lyrics were interpreted Saturday and Sunday, the 6th and 7th, by the voices of renowned Cuban artists such as Rosita Fornés, Omara Portuondo, Ela Calvo, Olga Navarro, Miguel Ángel Piña, Mario Aguirre, Rosa María Medel, Rosa María Arnaez, Haila, Ivette Cepeda and others.
On each occasion the America Ballet surprised with its choreography, this time by Amaury Mina and Juan Carlos Castano in which they were directed by Yamira Suarez and Gray Zayas.
The show was directed by Yanelys Tuya, scenery was by Maykel Sanchez, orchestration recorded by Osvaldo Rodriguez and Tomas Rivero, the original idea and staging was by Raul de la Rosa.
Havana showed its appreciation with its applause in packed houses, not only recognizing Meme’s work, but the value of those who, after his departure, continued performing his musical numbers in Cuba.
Meme Solís did not travel to Havana for this tribute but, surely must be feeling the fraternal warmth that greeted his music in Havana. Converting this musical set into one of the key pieces for “Another Dawn.”
January 7 2013