This investigation into modern Cuban theater examines the self-reflective discourse of Afro-Cuban women and her masks in the mirror. This study arose in response to the lack of critical analysis undertaken on this subject matter. Although the number of plays with female Afro-Cuban protagonists is relatively small, there is a growing body of plays with specific concepts that identify them as Contemporary Afro-Cuban Theater, where the life and culture of the Afro-Cuban people is viewed as through a mirror commenting on their own experiences. The persistence of certain themes, formal elements, staging, and an anti-colonial world view form the unique markers of this genre within Cuban theater. The three plays that constitute the primary material for this study are: Juan Revolico (1944), by Flora Diaz Parrado, Medea en el espejo (1959), by Jose Triana, and Maria Antonia (1964), by Eugenio Espinosa Hernandez. Each of these plays is a tragedy with a modern heroin that challenges the stereotypes established by a patriarchal and Eurocentric society, and creating new archetypes.The investigation analyzes the disobedience and rebelliousness of the heroines as they strive against the established power structure. It uncovers a unique approach to Cuban national identity in which the marginalized Afro-Cuban woman is cast in a protagonist role; it is through these protagonist roles that she subverts pre-established notions of race, class, and gender, from the women's tragedies in the patriarchal Euro-centric Cuban society.A re-structuring of gender roles is brought about through the feminine powers of seduction. Throughout each play the Afro-Cuban woman sees herself in the mirror and is able to gather the pieces of her fragmented identity. Afro-Cuban culture and religion are central to the solution of the thematic, formal, and plot conflicts.Among the most relevant contributions of this study is the idea that contemporary Afro-Cuban Theater exists as its own genre. Afro-Cuban Theater exists with its own aesthetics, profile, and anti-colonial perspective. Here the perspectives of Afro-Cuban woman are explored through the protagonists of three of the most significant models of this genre, Juan Revolico, Medea en el espejo, and Maria Antonia.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:arizona.edu/oai:arizona.openrepository.com:10150/195750 |
| Date | January 2010 |
| Creators | Fajardo-Cardenas, Marcelo |
| Contributors | Fitch, Melissa A., Rivero, Eliana, Compitelo, Malcolm |
| Publisher | The University of Arizona. |
| Source Sets | University of Arizona |
| Language | Spanish |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text, Electronic Dissertation |
| Rights | Copyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author. |
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