The Woman Behind The Man

Discover the woman behind Fidel Castro in Havana, Harlem

Who was the woman behind Fidel Castro? Contrary to most accounts, Castro did not start the Cuban revolution. While he was languishing in jail a petite but incredibly brave Cuban woman, Celia Sanchez, was organizing the guerilla rebellion in the Sierra Maestra. Later she helped Castro become the leader of Cuba and was with him and Che Guevara as they took victory in Havana in 1959. But in 1980, Sanchez died of lung cancer, leaving a grief-stricken Castro.

My play, Havana, Harlem, part of this year’s Sydney Fringe, tells the story through the eyes of Celia Sanchez . It's a satire which is set during two momentous days in 1960 when the Cubans were holed up in a hotel in Harlem, New York. The play is particularly timely. As the Obama administration and the Miami Cubans wait for the frail Castro to die, the revolution is in the balance.

The director is Deborah Jones. Set Designer: Anna Gardiner.

With Zoe Velez, Shane Imbert, Felino Dolloso, Leon Richardson, Rebecca Martin and Brian Mott.

Dates: Saturday Sept 11 – 8pm, Sun Sept 12 – 8pm, Wed Sept 15 - 5pm, Sun Sept 19 - 2pm & 8pm.

Tickets on sale through http://thesydneyfringe.com.au.or by calling 02 9550 3666

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