A competition has challenged young people to re-examine Cuban history through music and drama, and submit songs for a new musical, which will be judged at an X Factor-style event at Turner Sims, Southampton on Sunday (Jan 24).
Students across the UK are writing songs for ‘Fidel – The Musical’ for the chance to win some fantastic prizes, with the best songs featuring in the musical itself, which will go on to be further developed. .
Learning about Cuba in an exciting way
The competition gives students the opportunity to learn about the history of Fidel Castro and the Cuban Revolution in a new and exciting way, and develop their skills in music and drama at the same time. The aim is that the development of the musical from start to finish will reflect the Cuban values of inclusion, education, culture, community and creativity.
But why a musical about Cuba?
The project was the brainchild of Dr Denise Baden from Bitterne Park, who's a researcher and lecturer in Business Ethics at the University of Southampton. During her time as a researcher in Cuba she says she saw a side of the country rarely depicted in the media.
She found herself becoming increasingly impressed at what they have managed to achieve despite the embargo, and was inspired by the values-led culture, but also angry at the level of misinformation that has been spread about Cuba – and particularly its leader Fidel Castro.
The musical, she says, is trying to set the record straight.
Victories against incredible odds
The tale of Fidel and the Cuban revolution is a tale of sacrifice, love, heroism, bravery and repeated victories against incredible odds. How did a tiny island hold off an unexpected invasion by its massive American neighbour in 1961? How did Fidel survive an estimated 638 attempts on his life? How did an island so poor manage to out-perform the rest of the world in terms of medical advances, health care, literacy and sustainability? Was Fidel the world’s greatest leader or a brutal dictator? Historians may never settle on the answers to these questions, but ‘Fidel the Musical’ promises to get people thinking.
You can find out what it is all about and vote for which songs make it into ‘Fidel’ the musical in the X-factor style event being held at Turner Sims, Southampton this Sunday (Jan 24) which will feature the top submissions, a performance by a professional Cuban musician and Cuban cocktails.
Click for more information about Fidel – The Musical or ring Turner Sims 023 8059 5151
Links
www.facebook.com/fidelthemusical
https://twitter.com/fidelthemusical