Greek Culture in Cuban Street Theater

Pinar del Rio, Cuba, Mar 19. -Covered in clay, the "living statues" of the Teatro D''Moron recreate the famous Greek tragedy "Medea" in a unique traveling theater company that is performing in Cuban plazas and streets.

The Cuban artists who are performing this classic Greek tragedy, a love story of revenge and disappointment, combine the strength of their stage props with the attractive power of their acting.

Body movements and music play a major role in this version, according to company director Orlando Concepción.

Street theatre is always difficult, as the actors have to be prepared to develop their roles in an environment that is often be hostile, and in spaces filled with pedestrians.

Concepcion commented that each act is preceded by long periods of preparation, with the actors devoting two hours to their costumes, makeup and concentration.

Luis Ricardo Faura, an actor and designer in the group, performing the play silently confers a universal quality to the play, and it is enjoyed by peoples of different nationalities.

The actors cover themselves from head to foot with the clay mixture, in the Greek style, said Faura, adding that each actor does this before each performance, a very arduous task but one that produces satisfying results.

After a journey through this city, D'Moron, will participate in the Festival of Street Theater in Matanzas province. (Prensa Latina)