A recent incident at the Sauto Theater, an architectural gem in the city of Matanzas and a National Monument, has highlighted the ongoing issues facing Cuba. A mentally ill individual caused minor damage to the theater by forcibly entering through a lobby door. Although he was briefly detained, he continues to return, driven by the delusions of his illness, posing a risk to staff safety, as reported by theater management on their social media this Tuesday.
The iconic institution has expressed growing concern over the increasing number of mentally ill and homeless individuals seeking shelter within its premises. "With deep sadness, we witness more and more destitute individuals seeking refuge under our portico, lacking a more dignified place," the theater stated on its Facebook page.
In recent years, extreme poverty has surged in Cuba due to the deepening multisystem crisis impacting the nation. Many citizens struggle to meet basic needs such as food, transportation, medicine, and proper healthcare. Additionally, there has been a significant rise in addictions and drug use.
The Impact of Neglect on Cultural Heritage
As the Sauto Theater approaches its 162nd anniversary, it faces daily challenges, from vandalism on its walls to its porticoes being used as public restrooms, all while Cuban authorities appear oblivious. "Crude inscriptions, shoe marks, and propaganda stuck to our walls; garbage thrown through the gates—sometimes forcefully stuffed through narrow openings—even various excrements, injure us daily," lamented the theater.
The theater's cultural legacy is further threatened by the use of its porticoes as public toilets, while bicycles and motorcycles are often parked there, with many riders responding disrespectfully to staff. Government negligence is also evident. The nearby state-run Artex café damages heritage with loud music and indifference.
"The lack of lighting in Plaza de la Vigía and frequent power outages worsen this situation, as does the absence of nighttime security in this heritage environment, leading to crimes such as the theft of chains that symbolically closed our porticoes and those of the neighboring Provincial Museum," the theater pointed out.
State Responsibility and Public Criticism
Several internet users agree that the problem extends beyond public behavior. In response to the theater's post, artist Adrián Socorro criticized the Cuban government for allocating resources to militarize squares to suppress protests while neglecting cultural heritage. "Liberty Park (also in Matanzas) has been under siege for over a year. Most people on the benches are on guard in case the enemy (the Cuban) decides to protest, for which there are plenty of reasons. If they put the same effort into addressing this problem… if it were a priority for them," Socorro remarked, referencing repressive actions against professor and historian Alina Bárbara López Hernández.
López Hernández, known for her critical stance on the Cuban government and her advocacy for human rights, has consistently faced harassment from State Security due to her activism and participation in peaceful protests. Other comments on the Sauto's publication confirmed that the Principal Theater in Camagüey faces similar issues, with a nearby park turning into a playing field where verbal aggression is common. "And no one takes action, all levels have been informed, but no one is willing to address the issue, that's how emblematic theaters across the country are," noted user Greg Márquez.
Conservation experts point out that the Matanzas Conservator's Office lacks the resources available to its counterpart in Havana. While Edelys Barrios laments that "all our heritage is being destroyed and one day our great-grandchildren will suffer for the beauties our lovely city lost," the words of Yasmani Luis Leal resonate as an epitaph: "Every day my city dies due to the lack of a sense of belonging and love for the city that has always sheltered us, very sad indeed. Will we continue to be the Antennas of Cuba?"
Founded on April 6, 1863, during the colonial era, the Sauto Theater is regarded as the most elegant and functional of Cuba's 19th-century theaters and has become a symbol of the city of Matanzas. On October 10, 1978, it was declared a National Monument.
Exploring the Crisis at Sauto Theater
What recent incident occurred at the Sauto Theater?
A mentally ill person caused minor damage by forcibly entering through a lobby door at the Sauto Theater.
How has the economic crisis affected the homeless population in Cuba?
The deepening crisis in Cuba has led to increased extreme poverty, resulting in more homeless individuals seeking shelter in places like the Sauto Theater.
What challenges does the Sauto Theater face regarding its preservation?
The Sauto Theater faces challenges such as vandalism, use of its porticoes as public restrooms, and nearby disturbances from loud music.