Dr.

Frederik Meer speaks about Cuban theatre and politics

Cuban theatre and politic speech generates academic interest
Academics flock to book discussion on relation between Cuban
theatre and politics

By Rachael Romano

Laurie Frederik Meer spoke in a strong,
stable voice. Spanish and English words mixing
together, conveying her passion for Cuban
culture. The tone of her words echoed the theme
of the speech, Cuban political crisis and
community theater reactions.
An audience of approximately 35
Latin American studies and Theater scholars climbed six flights of stairs to
McKeldin Librarys special events room, eager to hear new research. Frederik
spoke to the crowd about the strong connection between Cuban political crisis and
theater art, and how they mold Cuban identity.

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Laurie Frederik Meer reads an expert from
her book on a Cuban community theater group
performance.
Photo source Rachel George/Diamondback

Rachael Romano W/R#14 TA#1 COMM 231-0101 A#2Mainbar:Cuban p.2
Theater in a new spotlight
What is fascinating are these moments of crisis in Cuba, and then severe
crisis, which then lead to these bursts of creativity. Frederik said, referring to the
connection between politics and art.
Frederik explained, after the calamity of political control in Cuba the
people wondered Who are we? So, community theater professionals began to
answer that by traveling to rural areas and finding the campesino essence, or the
ordinary guys, and acting out scenes that captured their spirit.
After elaborating on her experiences with traveling theater groups,
Frederik asked what topics the audience would like her to discuss further.
She read off a list of topics, Cuba, theater, Fidel Castro, dance. More
than three-fourths of audience members raised their hands for both Cuba and
theater.
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Rachael Romano W/R#14 TA#1 COMM 231-0101A#2Mainbar:Cuban p. 3
Enthusiasm In the audience
After concluding her speech Frederik said she wanted her audience to see
the unrepresented parts of Cuban theater.
I was looking at the complexity of other parts of Cuba as well so I
wanted them [the audience] to see that there was a lot of different research being
done about Cuba, and there are different facets of its identity. Frederik said.
The lack of research in these rural areas intrigued audience members.
There is not a lot of knowledge about what is going on in rural Cuba,
said Rebecca Freeman, a student who traveled from Johns Hopkins to attend the
speech. Most tourism happens in Havana; I think it is interesting to look at the
intertwinement between the state and its role in both the performing arts and how
artist then interpret that.
Doors Shut
Many within the Latin studies community struggle due to the lack of
research on this topic. With the doors of Cuba being closed again to scholars, it
presents a problem.
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Rachael Romano W/R#14 TA#1 COMM 231-0101A#2Mainbar:Cuban p. 4
There are tons of books on salsa or Santeria [an Afro-Caribbean
religion]; however, you hear less about these compesinos and the work that they
are doing, Elizabeth Fallica, a Ph.D. student in theater and performance studies
said. I think her book is important in many respects but I think thats one of
them.
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Americans experience some difficulties in researching Cuba
Politics hampers researchers ability to study Cuba
Lack of research in Cuba affects Latin American Studies

By Rachael Romano

Students and academics seeking to do research in Cuba can expect to
experience difficulty gaining permission and access. Latin American researchers,
like Dr. Laurie Frederik Meer, strain to produce current and relevant information
because of the trade embargo with the communist island.
In 1959, when Fidel Castro over threw the Cuban government and began
allying Cuba with the Soviet Union, America developed an isolated relationship
with the country. Today, the embargo sets in place stringent restrictions for people
to enter or leave the country.
The government gives limitations to acquiring a general license, according
to the New York Times article, Cuba: Doing it Your Way by Damien Cave.
When professionals do acquire a general license they must have, a copy
of their C.V., published research relevant to what theyre studying in Cuba, and
an itinerary of whom they are going to meet, or have met, with locations and
times, Cave said.
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Rachael Romano W/R#14 TA#1 COMM 231-0101A#2Sidebar:Cuba p. 2

On top of the paperwork students must
obtain a connection within Cuba.
I had to gain access and have an
affiliation in Cuba in order to have permission
to do research, so it was a long process,
Frederik an anthropologist studying theater art
in Cuba, said.
Although waves of openings allow some
researchers to work, todays researchers may
continue to face difficulties.
Its been cracked down on, not by the Americans, but by the Cubans.
Frederik said.
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To find more information on:
General Licenses
See the US Department
of Treasury Services
(Cuba Travel License)
for a comprehended
guide for license
applications.
Traveling Restrictions
See the Federation of
American Scientists
Congressional
Research Service
report, Cuba: U.S
Travel Restrictions and
Remittances