Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
World
Ruaridh Nicoll in Havana

Cuba’s top ballerina takes reins amid crumbling theatres and talent exodus

Viengsay Valdés, the new director of the Cuban National Ballet: ‘I want to bring a new way of seeing.’
Viengsay Valdés, the new director of the Cuban National Ballet: ‘I want to bring a new way of seeing.’ Photograph: Leysis Quesada

Cuba’s favourite ballerina, Viengsay Valdés, will run on to the stage of the island’s National Theatre on 2 November, fairly certain it won’t collapse beneath her.

Reprising the role of Giselle she first performed 25 years ago, she can’t use Havana’s more glamorous auditorium, the rococo Gran Teatro de la Habana Alicia Alonso, because that is being devoured by woodworm.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.