Asolo Repertory Announces Programming and Events for HAMLET, PRINCE OF CUBA

Asolo Repertory is presents events leading up the Spanish performances of Hamlet, Prince of Cuba. Set in late 19th century Cuba, the show is currently enjoying a run in English at Asolo Rep and will have two performances in Spanish with English supertitles on May 3 at 8 p.m. and May 5 at 2 p.m. After concluding its run in Sarasota, the show will move to the South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center in Miami where there will be both English and supertitled Spanish performances May 11-13. Hamlet, Prince of Cuba features guest artist Frankie J. Alvarez as Hamlet, Gisela Chípe (of Asolo Rep's Yentl) as Ophelia, Emilio Delgado as Claudius (known for his role as Luis on Sesame Street), Mercedes Herrero as Gertrude and Andhy Mendez as Laertes. The following programming will be offered in conjunction with the production.

Sunday, April 15 Meet the Actors

Post-show discussion facilitated by Asolo Rep Staff – featuring multiple cast members.

Location: Mertz Theatre

Time: Approx. 4:15 – Following matinee performance

Friday, April 20 Back to the Future: The Return of Spanish language to art and culture in SW Florida

University of South Florida's Dr. Carlos Cano will moderate a panel composed of Tampa residents – including an original member of the Ybor family, and members of a Tampa-based Cuban theatre group. Cast members of Hamlet, Prince of Cuba –Frankie J. Alvarez and Andhy Mendez – will perform selected scenes and participate in the discussion.

Moderated by: USF Professor, Dr. Carlos Cano, Associate Professor of Spanish American Culture, Film and Literature

Partners: University of South Florida (USF), Unidos Now, and Centro Asturiano

Location: Centro Asturiano de Tampa, 1913
North Nebraska Avenue Tampa, FL 33602
Time: 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, April 28 Bilingual Early Stages
For Families with children six and under. Come play with us as we use storytelling and interactive exercises to engage with popular children's books and enter the world of your favorite characters!

Special Guest: Emilio Delgado

Location: Asolo Rep Rehearsal Hall

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Tuesday, May 1 Tuesday Talkback

Post-show conversation with cast member Gisela Chípe facilitated by Asolo Rep staff

Location: Asolo Rep Mezzanine

Time: Approx. 9:45 – Following evening performance

Wednesday, May 2 Panel Discussion 

Cultural Intersections: To Be or Not To Be/Ser or no ser?
A discussion on the past, present, and future of Cuban-American identity and culture, examining the role of the arts in bridging cultural divides, creating social capital, and promoting engaged citizenship.

Guests: Dr. Andy Gomez – Senior Fellow of the Institute of Cuba and Cuban American Studies, University of Miami

Department of State, Author of The Cuba Wars

Nilo Cruz – Playwright, Hamlet, Prince of Cuba

Moderated by: Kelly Kirschner, former Mayor, City of Sarasota, currently of Unidos Now

Location: Cook Theatre

Time: 5:00 p.m.

This event will be preceded by cocktails and Cuban coffee – available in the main lobby.

Made possible, in part, with support from Community Foundation of Sarasota County.

Thursday, May 3 Spanish Language Opening Night of Hamlet, Prince of Cuba
Performance in Spanish with English supertitles.

Location: Mertz Theatre
Time: 8:00 p.m.

Friday, May 4 Panel Discussion - Art as Language: Manifestations of Bilingualism

Guests: Dr. Carlos Cano, Associate Professor of Spanish American

Culture, Film and Literature at the University of South Florida

Nilo Cruz – Translator, Hamlet, Prince of Cuba

Michael Donald Edwards – Asolo Rep Producing Artistic Director and

Director of Hamlet, Prince of Cuba
Mercedes Herrero- Gertrude, Hamlet, Prince of Cuba
Johannes Werner – Editor, Cuba Standard

Location: Cook Theatre
Time: 2:00 p.m. – Following student matinee performance

Made possible, in part, with support from Community Foundation of Sarasota County.

Saturday, May 5 Pre-Show Reception 

Sponsored by Bright House Networks, featuring Cuban food, a three piece guitar ensemble, and live-streaming from a radio affiliate.

Location: Asolo Rep Main Lobby

Time: 1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.

Matinee Performance - Hamlet, Prince of Cuba – Performance in Spanish with English supertitles.
Location: Mertz Theatre
Time: 2:00 p.m.

Bilingual Meet the Actors – Post-show discussion facilitated by Asolo Rep Staff – featuring multiple cast members

Moderated by: Jesse Ontiveros, Assistant Director for Hamlet, Prince of Cuba &

Irma Murillo of Bright House Networks

Location: Mertz Theatre

Time: Approx. 4:15 – Following matinee performance

The pre and post show events on May 5 are sponsored in part by Bright House Networks and InfoMas.