The ¡Si Cuba! Arts Festival (http://sicuba.org/en) will showcase some of Cuba’s most beloved artists and dancers this spring. Art exhibitions included in the festival explore the cultural issues that have been formative in Cuban society, and world-class dance companies exemplify cultural fusion at its finest. Various film, theater, photography and literature events will also be featured. Stop by the festival to fully appreciate the culture of a society that was banned in the US for almost a decade. More than two dozen artists will showcase their creative works. Here are some of the highlights:
The art exhibit “Queloides: Race and Racism in Cuban Contemporary Art” speaks to the issues of racism racial discrimination that still permeate contemporary Cuban society following the collapse of the Soviet Union (Queloides means “Scar Tissue”). More than a dozen young visual artists created this social awareness exhibit as part of an ongoing cultural project that showcases the importance of racial equality and inclusion in the Cuban identity. The long-term project began with exhibits in Havana in 1997 and 1999 by a multiracial group of artists and intellectuals.
Through Thursday, July 14
The 8th Floor
17 W. 17th St.
Tickets: Free
http://the8thfloor.org/2011/02/queloides/
“Cosas Ocultas”will showcase 23 paintings of two esteemed Cuban painters, Alberto Casado and Rocío García. The artwork provides extensive insight into Cuban culture as it delves into issues that are still taboo in Cuban society, including poverty, crime and sexual identity. Through Wednesday, June 1
Sidney Mishkin Gallery at Baruch College
135 E. 22nd St.
Tickets: Free
http://blsciblogs.baruch.cuny.edu/cosasocultasmishkin/
Participating in DanceAfrica 2011, El Ballet Folklόrico Cutumba combines Afro-Cuban and Haitian dance styles to create a vibrant, high-energy performance. Back by popular demand from the DanceAfrica 2002 celebration, Cutumba will once again entertain audiences with its passionate gagá and son choreography.
May 27 at 7:30pm
May 28 at 2pm and 7:30pm
May 29 and 30 at 3pm
30 Lafayette Avenue (between St. Felix Street and Ashland Place), Brooklyn
Tickets: $10-$50
http://www.bam.org/view.aspx?pid=2655
Dance enthusiasts can learn some dances of their own at one of the DanceAfrica Master Classes. Family and Adult workshops will be offered.
Family Workshop
Sunday, May 29 from 11am-12:15pm
Tickets: $10 adults; $5 children 16 & under
Adult Workshop (Intermediate to advanced dance experience)
Monday, May 30 from 11am-12:30pm
Tickets: $12
To purchase tickets, call 718.636.4130 x1, Mon-Fri 10am-5pm.
Danza Contemporanea de Cuba, Cuba’s most renowned contemporary dance company, infuses classical European ballet with Spanish and Afro-Caribbean influences. Performances will feature extraordinary choreography from former Ballet Hispanico principal dancer Pedro Ruiz, the first Cuban American to choreograph for the company.
Through Friday, May 22
PROGRAM A:
May 20 8pm; May 21 2pm and 8pm
PROGRAM B:
May 17-18 7:30pm; May 19 8pm; May 22 2pm
175 8th Ave.
Tickets: $10; call 212-242-0800 to purchase
http://www.joyce.org/performancestickets/calendar_detail.php?event=360&theater=1
