Havana to Host Theatrical Tribute to Juana Bacallao's Centennial

In a remarkable celebration of her vibrant and audacious life, the legendary Juana Bacallao is set to be honored on stage in Havana this November with a theatrical production tentatively titled "El nombre de Juana." Directed by the esteemed Osvaldo Doimeadiós and featuring Monse Duany in the lead role, this play will capture Bacallao's journey from poverty to the pinnacle of Cuba's entertainment scene. The performance will combine music, drama, and humorous anecdotes that reflect her spirit of resilience and authentic Cuban essence, as reported exclusively by Café Fuerte.

Initially inspired by the book "Juana la Cubana. Juana Bacallao: Entrevistas y testimonios" (2025) by writer and producer Lázaro Caballero Aranzola, the play is crafted under the vision of Osvaldo Doimeadiós, a distinguished actor and comedian. Doimeadiós told Café Fuerte that the production is not a conventional biography but rather a creative piece celebrating Juana's defiant and spirited nature—a black woman who rose against the odds to become a cultural icon in Cuba.

"The play delves into the fantasy facade that artists create for themselves, a mask that Juana wore and all artists can relate to," explained Doimeadiós, renowned for his artistic accomplishments.

An Exceptional Cast for an Extraordinary Icon

Monse Duany, one of the most versatile actresses in contemporary Cuban theater, will portray Juana Bacallao. This role is expected to be a standout in Duany's illustrious career, which includes memorable performances as María Antonia, Emelina Cundiamor, and La Lupe. The production will also feature original music by Swiss composer Jean Bruno JB Meier, costumes by Angolan designer Ángela Kadima, and collaboration from Brazilian DJ Alessandra Moura.

Doimeadiós, who leads the Nave Oficio de Isla project, admitted that reading Caballero's book and engaging in discussions with both the author and Duany provided the final motivation to create this fictional yet reality-based theatrical work, enriched with symbolic elements and anecdotes from Juana's life.

Juana: A Symbol of Defiance and Strength

Born Neris Amelia Martínez Salazar on May 26, 1925, Juana Bacallao quickly became a symbol of boldness, talent, and perseverance from her early performances in Havana theaters during the 1940s. Rising from humble beginnings to stardom in cabarets and stages alongside legends such as Benny Moré, Celeste Mendoza, and Rita Montaner, she solidified her place as a unique figure in Cuban popular culture. Although she passed away in Havana in February 2024 at 98, her legacy continues to resonate in collective memory and now, on the theater stage.

Lázaro Caballero's Indelible Mark

Lázaro Caballero Aranzola, the author of the book that inspired the play, has been a passionate chronicler of Cuban music and culture for decades. His work in gathering anecdotes and testimonies from artists like Lupe Yolí, Aymée Nuviola, and Rolando Laserie—about whom he wrote the sole existing biography, "¡De película! Rolando Laserie"—has established him as a leading researcher of Cuban entertainment. His close relationship with Juana Bacallao allowed him to construct a multi-faceted portrait of an artist who defied stereotypes and challenged societal norms.