Francophonie: A Shared and Diverse World
This month, a vibrant array of artistic offerings from French-speaking countries will take center stage in Havana and Santiago de Cuba as part of a new edition of the Francophonie Days. Featuring artists and works that highlight a rich diversity of perspectives, the event spans literature, visual arts, music, dance, and cinema, bringing a global tapestry of creativity to Cuban audiences.
At a press conference held at the Alliance Française de Prado, event organizers emphasized that March—celebrated as Poetry Month—will feature this literary genre prominently. Highlights include the participation of Belgian writer Jean-Philippe Toussaint, the unveiling of Les Lettres Françaises, a magazine issue dedicated to Cuba, and a panel discussion titled Poesía en el mundo francófono.
The program also commemorates significant milestones, such as the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Cuba and Canada and the 20th anniversary of the Casa Víctor Hugo.
In Santiago de Cuba, the Francophonie Days will coincide with the Santiago Álvarez In Memoriam International Documentary Festival and the province’s Book Fair. On the performing arts front, the Bakhus Company will stage Gaia 2.0 at the National Theatre of Cuba, a thought-provoking production that invites audiences to reflect on the passage of human existence and the impact of individual actions on the world. Another highlight is Favez, a theatrical production featuring actress Liliana Lam, who portrays Enriqueta Favez, the first woman to practice medicine in Cuba during the 19th century.
The Month of Francophonie will also include French storytelling sessions led by writer and translator Muriel Bloch, alongside the opening of several exhibitions: Marseille, acuarelas de Françoise Fages; Inventores rumanos y su contribución al patrimonio universal; and the Muestra del Mes at Havana’s Napoleonic Museum, which showcases a complete collection of miniatures depicting prominent European figures. On Friday, the Napoleonic Museum inaugurated Soliloquio de mujer, an exhibition honoring the representation of women in religion. Centered on the Virgin Mary and her various advocations, the display incorporates sounds, scents, and a richly layered universe of visual expressions.
Translated by Luis E. Amador Dominguez
