The history and culture embrace each other; Cubans are loyal to their roots recognize that culture is sword and shield of the nation.
The Cuban theater from its origins are linked to the development of national consciousness. In the memory the events of Villanueva Theater on the night of January 22nd, 1869 - the date is in remembrance as three months ago, in the east of the island, had broken the first independence war and the Spanish colonial authorities increased their attacks against manifestations of Cuban or yearning for freedom by the Creoles.
Amid this situation, Havana was also buzzing of patriotism. At Villanueva theater presented a national thematic work that addressed issues concerning the situation the country was at that time, and the actors gave special emphasis on certain phrases.
In the presentation of that fateful night, entered the room a large group of volunteers with defiant gestures. In one of the parliaments, an actor praises the land producing sugar cane, and someone from the audience shouts: Viva Cuba libre! Immediately, volunteers attacked infuriated spectators.
In response, several Cubans armed with guns opened fire on the attackers, causing an atmosphere of confusion and despair that led to the deaths of two women and a child, several injuries, and damage to properties. The conference, reviewed by José Martí in a very beautiful verses, was the germ of a long and sustained tribute to Cuban National Theater Identity.
For the first time in Cuba, a theater of a bloody end because the emerging love of country, the feeling of nationality and the repression of a regime desperate in his agony.
For this reason was declared January 2nd as the Cuban Theater Day to commemorate that event and pay tribute to workers in the performing arts for their performance for the national culture.
In Cuba, the Theatre celebrates its big party days which make the first month of a hive, a coming and going in the rooms, since 1959 thanks to the triumph of the Cuban Revolution without fear or suspicion. Professionals held tables with double joy each presentation to be known protagonists of the history and future roles that shape to embody where confidence is always present. From reality and assume critical positions involve the audience, the theater moved to reflection passes from the scene of life and thus contribute to improving society.
Since then, the Cuban scene has been enriched with the hopes and dreams of men and women, regardless of time, styles or trends, fed with their lives, with all the strength of its heart.
The tables of the nation gave shelter to each of the dramas of the country, their shortcomings, their passions and their victories. Always dodging barriers, overcoming obstacles, but also always as safe harbor enclosure and gallery of the Revolution.
Today, 143 years after the events of Villanueva, the Cuban playwrights continue to grow the shame, dignity and combative patriotism, revolutionary who is and will remain the true identity of our art.