A theater/school raised its curtain to the public in a performance invoking two indispensable figures in Cuban history: from Paula Street to the town of Birán; from the beaches of Cajobabo to the Granma yacht landing. Children from the Colmenita Theater Company eagerly awaited their chance to celebrate these great personalities. Shortly before the start of the show, friends present, on seeing him arrive, raised their voices calling out the name of the Apostle’s honorary son among rapturous applause – the name of that tireless fighter against global indignity, that of well-deserved praise and distinction, the name of Fidel!
At that moment millions of Cubans sang him “Happy Birthday.” “Congratulations, father!” a hoarse voice shouted to the giant, who was dressed in white and green, the colors of peace and hope. The love that filled the theater compelled young couples to embrace and delight in teary caresses, as Carlos Alberto Cremata, director of the company, invited spectators through the classroom doors.
Also attending the celebration were Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, president of the Councils of State and Ministers; the President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro Moros; Party, state and government leaders, as well as compañeros of various struggles; political and mass organizations; participants in the Moncada attack and Granma expeditionaries; decorated Heroes of the Republic of Cuba and of Labor, as well as representatives of Cuban society.
Suddenly, the teacher named Abracadabra invited the children to delve deeper into the path of Martí, uncovering ideas which teach of the beauty of the soul and the value of appreciation, of being good. As such every birthday tribute became a life lesson, an example of Fidel’s limitless love for humankind, his battles against environmental damage, and the assurance that he would remain by his people’s side with his rifle slung over his arm and pen in hand, were it possible, for another 90 years.
As such clips from the documentary Mi hermano Fidel, by director Santiago Álvarez and selected songs of the Revolution – with arpeggios by Pancho Amat – and extracts of Martí’s “Abdala”, provided a prelude to the National Anthem sung by the members of La Colmenita.
At high-points during the performance the honoree was seen making characteristic gestures such as stroking his beard; placing his forefinger on his left temple; speaking with his brother Raúl and with Maduro and to the surprise of all, mid-way through the performance, he even called a young girl down off the stage to talk with her, and perhaps also whisper some little piece of advice in her ear, a custom he has shared with many Cuban children and young people.
There before him were the shining children, those that make a revolution great, joined by some of Cuba’s brightest stars, including Omara Portuondo, Eusebio Leal, and images of Silvio Rodríguez with his victory song, inviting us to believe in those who love and fight.
Havana City Historian Eusebio Leal responded to the children, calling Fidel “A good friend and eternal teacher. He will answer any question we might have, because he is always well prepared…He knows a great deal, reads a lot, is familiar with literature, poetry, art, history and is, at the same time, someone very human, someone who knows how to get close to peoples’ hearts. And he always tells the truth,” stated Leal.
Another standing ovation and shouts of Cuba inundated the theater, as everyone, from those sitting at home to the children seated in their classroom on stage, pulsating at 90 beats-per second, saluted Fidel.
Meanwhile, happy among friends, he bid a serene farewell like that of the fortunate man who lays his head on the pillow at night, certain in the knowledge that he has done good for the entire world. The world appreciates it, and looks on him with pride.
