Overview
Synopsis
Based on three decades of letters Maria Irene Fornes received from her brother in Havana, Letters from Cuba moves from New York City to Cuba at the turn of the twenty-first century. A New York apartment dominates the stage, with Cuba represented simply as the roof above it. This apartment is shared by three young artists: Joseph, a poet, Marc, an artist, and Fran, a dancer studying in the city. Marc and Joseph discuss writing poetry and their love for Fran, while Fran weaves in and out of their sphere. Letters from her brother, Luis, punctuate her days. He has remained in Cuba with his wife and son, but life under a communist regime is tough for them all. Luis struggles being separated from his sister but, ultimately, he cannot leave his homeland behind. Letters from Cuba quietly explores the basic connections and separations between people and across borders, through an ethereal, dreamy lens.
Show Information
- Book
- Maria Irene Fornes
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
- Number of Acts
- 1
- First Produced
- 2000
- Genres
- Drama
- Settings
- Contemporary, Unit/Single Set
- Time & Place
- Cuba, New York City, 2000
- Cast Size
- small
- Dancing
- Some Dance
- Ideal For
- College/University, Diverse Cast, Mostly Male Cast, Regional Theatre, Includes Adult, Young Adult, Child, Early Teen, Mature Adult Characters, Small Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Lead |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
|
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
Songs
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
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Videos
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Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Alexandra Appleton
Writer, editor and theatre researcher