The esteemed Cuban actress and theater artist Carmen Fragoso passed away this Friday in Havana, where she spent her final years suffering from severe anemia and diabetes, compounded by a challenging economic situation following her retirement from the Higher Institute of Art (ISA). The artist was a mentor to multiple generations of students at the Faculty of Theater Arts at the University of the Arts and had to retire from the ISA after losing her vision due to diabetes.
Graduated from the National School of Theater and the University of the Arts, Fragoso was a member of the Teatro Escambray group, participating in productions such as "El paraíso recobrado," "La vitrina," "La emboscada," and "Los novios." With this group, she also performed on significant international stages, as recalled by the Ministry of Culture of Cuba in a Facebook post.
Throughout her extensive career, Fragoso was part of the ensembles of Grupo Extramuro, Conjunto Teatral Anaquillé, Gaia Teatro, and concurrently became a professor of Vocal Technique. She was involved in the Cátedra de Teatro Cubano directed by Nelson Dorr. As a teacher or actress, she played a crucial role in significant national theater processes.
In 1988, she received the Best Female Performance Award at the National Theater Festival of Camagüey. She worked on the play "Santa Camila de La Habana Vieja" by José Ramón Brene, directed by Armando Suárez del Villar; performed the monologue "La Caja de Pandora" with Grupo Cimarrón under the direction of Alberto Curbelo; served as a theater coach for Cuban films and stage productions; and taught Voice and Diction courses at various institutions.
In 2017, already facing vision problems, she participated in the premiere of the show "Nadie me entierre ese muerto" alongside actor Denis Colina and directed by National Theater Award winner Carlos Pérez Peña.
In February 2023, the group Perséfone Teatro launched a plea for help for Fragoso, citing her long-standing complex situation that had worsened in recent times. "Carmen has been blind for years due to diabetes, a disease that has caused many complications such as the amputation of fingers and a lifelong dependency on insulin," the group's post explained. It also mentioned that despite having to retire from her classes at the ISA due to vision loss, she continued to advise visitors from her home. The post criticized the Ministry of Culture of Cuba for lacking a structure to support veteran artists, leaving them "condemned to neglect and starvation if they don't have family to care for them."
Remembering Carmen Fragoso's Legacy
Here are some frequently asked questions about the life and career of Carmen Fragoso, reflecting on her contributions to Cuban theater and the challenges she faced.
Who was Carmen Fragoso?
Carmen Fragoso was a renowned Cuban actress and theater professor known for her work with Teatro Escambray and her role as a mentor at the University of the Arts.
What were some of Carmen Fragoso's notable works?
She was involved in productions such as "El paraíso recobrado," "La vitrina," "La emboscada," and "Los novios," and won the Best Female Performance Award at the National Theater Festival of Camagüey in 1988.
What health issues did Carmen Fragoso face?
Carmen Fragoso struggled with severe anemia and diabetes, which led to vision loss and other complications such as the amputation of fingers.
How did the Ministry of Culture of Cuba respond to Fragoso's situation?
Critics argue that the Ministry of Culture of Cuba lacks a proper structure to support veteran artists, leaving them without adequate care if they do not have family support.