The theater world mourns the loss of renowned Cuban playwright, educator, and screenwriter Salvador Lemis Pérez Franco, who has passed away in Mexico. The news of his passing was shared on Facebook by the Faculty of Theater at the Universidad Veracruzana (UV), where he served for many years as a professor, director, and mentor to various generations.
The institution highlighted his exceptional talent, dedication to teaching, and profound affection for his students, qualities that made him a vital presence in both academic and creative circles. His departure, as noted by UV, leaves an "irreplaceable void."
A Visionary Trailblazer in Cuba and Mexico
Born in Holguín in 1963, Salvador Lemis was part of the celebrated Cuban theater generation of the 1980s. He gained early recognition at the Instituto Superior de Arte (ISA), where he began to develop a body of work characterized by poetic sensitivity, innovative storytelling, and a distinct focus on theater for children and youth, as reported by Diario de Cuba.
His play Galápago, published in the magazine Tablas, is now considered a landmark in the genre for its ability to expand theatrical languages and propose new ways of imagining theater for young audiences.
After relocating to Mexico, Lemis's career reached new heights. He held several significant positions, including:
- Director of the Faculty of Theater at the Universidad Veracruzana (1996-2001)
- Director of the Theater Area at Bellas Artes in Yucatán (2006-2008)
- Director of the Center for Scenic Research in Yucatán (2008-2012)
- Professor at the School of Arts of Yucatán (now UNAY) from 2008 to 2011
Through these roles, he left an indelible mark on the training of actors, playwrights, and directors.
A Legacy of Lyrical and Imaginative Works
Lemis's literary output, characterized by its lyrical nature and boundless imagination, found expression in works like Un girasol pequeñito, En mi oreja creció un arbolito, La Cebra, La Ciruela, and various theatrical adaptations of authors such as Marguerite Yourcenar.
Some of his works were included in anthologies of contemporary Cuban dramaturgy abroad, helping to expand his international presence.
Tributes from the Theater Community
Among the many lamenting his passing, playwright and critic Norge Espinosa Mendoza wrote that Lemis "crafted his own myth." He described him as a creator "full of vitality and always surprising," residing in that realm where imagination and memory intertwine to challenge theatrical conventions.
Despite having lived in Mexico for decades, Lemis maintained a close emotional and symbolic connection with Cuban theater, where his name remains linked to a period of intense aesthetic renewal.
An Enduring Legacy
The Universidad Veracruzana offered condolences to Lemis's family, colleagues, and friends. The theater community bids farewell to him as a master, an innovator, and a poetic force in the theater.
For many, Salvador Lemis will continue to inhabit—as Espinosa notes—that suspended space "in the clouds, in the very air, as free as he was."
Remembering Salvador Lemis: His Impact and Legacy
What was Salvador Lemis's contribution to Cuban theater?
Salvador Lemis was a pivotal figure in Cuban theater, known for his poetic sensitivity and innovative storytelling, particularly in theater for children and youth. His work helped to expand theatrical languages and challenge conventional forms.
How did Salvador Lemis influence theater in Mexico?
In Mexico, Lemis held significant roles such as Director of the Theater Area at Bellas Artes in Yucatán and Director of the Center for Scenic Research in Yucatán. He greatly impacted the education and development of actors, playwrights, and directors.
Why is Galápago considered an important work?
Galápago is regarded as a milestone in theater for its innovative approach and ability to expand the language and imagination of theater for young audiences, making it a significant reference in the genre.