English Translations of Cubans Writing From the Island
Translator’s note: A passport having no practical use in Cuba if you cannot qualify for the coveted White Card — the exit permit all Cubans need to be able to travel outside their country — El Sexto decided to use his passport as a canvas. And then created this video. 21 May 2012
Above the Blue Paper Airplane: The World is Yours. Below the Blue Paper Airplane: For Yoani after 19 travel [permit] denials, we have Faith… El Sexto
3 May 2012
Whenever I’m bored I try so hard to get out of that state that I think of a new hobby. It seems that boredom makes us aware of the routine, like becoming fully aware of something that is repeated over and over again. So our perception, desperately thirsty for something interesting, goes hunting. I for … Continue reading “When I’m Bored / El Sexto – Danilo Maldonado Machado”
What can I say if I forget everything. Nothing, not even that and not the word nothing. So I carry a load of recordings of the past, what was learned. As if every atom in me, unknowingly or unwittingly, has a file in the autopilot. Everything I see or I suffer first hand I project … Continue reading “If I Forget Everything… / El Sexto – Danilo Maldonado Machado”
The Trail Begins in a Few Minutes, Demanding a Ten Year Sentence. Ñaño has witnesses that can prove his innocence. There are around 15 people at the corner of Carmen Morua and Juan Delgado in Santos Suarez. It seems that William, Cotorro photographer, has been detained before getting here. Danilo doesn’t answer his phone and … Continue reading “Freedom for Ñaño, Freedom!!! / El Sexto – Danilo Maldonado Machado”
@OLPL On Friday,13 April, they are asking for a 10 year prison sentence for Ñaño. The trial will be closed door at the Tribunal Carmen y Morua Delgado, Santos Suarez, 9 am. Ñaño’s attorney is ON VACATION!!!! Nano is INNOCENT. Let’s go!!!! 11 April 2012
Our apologies… the English version of this video is “broken”… we’re working on it! Rip your mediocre (or narrow) fears with El Sexto, as if they were paper… March 14 2012
In these days of waiting for the Pope, everything around me is tense. I start to leave my phone at home. They followed me from before the presentation of Voices Magazine Number 14. But it is only persecution, at least they want you to think. I thought it wouldn’t be for some graffiti artist. Occasionally … Continue reading “They Kidnapped Me Again / El Sexto – Danilo Maldonado Machado”
A caricature by a master of Cuban humor, thank you Garrincha Translator’s note: The billboard refers to the “Five Heroes” — Cuban spies imprisoned in the U.S. “El Sexto” — “The Sixth” the moniker chosen for himself by Danilo — is meant to imply he is also a hero, the sixth one.
I am in the selection of Diario de Cuba!!! (Third row, second from right.) 2 January 2012
While the drug entered my body, my arms and legs were remaining motionless. In my veins the poison ran so fast neutralizing me, so it could never escape, the cry that was hanging in my throat of HELP. I coughed, I moved my head to one side and the other; with much effort I was … Continue reading “Succor / El Sexto – Danilo Maldonado Machado”
I’m so crazy I think I can be a writer. Or at least play at being one, as to be a writer painter, singer, etc. is the same, you just have to be it. The only thing that differentiates us from others is the ego: if I I think it I am. Indeed that is … Continue reading “Interview With Me When I’m With Myself / El Sexto – Danilo Maldonado Machado”
I just spoke with Gorki. He, El Sexto and Ciro were going to do a performance last night at G and 23rd Street. When they were around 23rd and F around 11:00 PM they were rushed by a mob. “There were a lot of them,” Gorki said. As Ciro was already at G Street, he didn’t see them … Continue reading “Gorki Freed / El Sexto – Danilo Maldonado Machado”
Danilo is now home, they brought him early. He spent the night in the Zapata police station, without knowing where they had taken Gorki. He said that yesterday 30 plainclothes State Security officials attacked him and Gorki at G and 23rd. As of right now he knows nothing of Gorki. Translator’s note: In Tweets, it … Continue reading “El Sexto Released / El Sexto – Danilo Maldonado”