The Eddy Suñol Theater, considered the greatest Art Deco work in the historic center of the Cuban City of Parks, celebrates its 87th anniversary this June 2nd.
Inaugurated in 1939 under the name Wenceslao Infante. This cultural institution is an invaluable landmark of the architectural and theatrical heritage of the eastern province of Holguin.
The building was design by the Havana architect and engineer Saturnino Mario Parajón. Recognized as one of the best theater designers in Cuba. It was the most expensive of the Republican-era buildings erected in the first half of the 20th century.
Roger Rodríguez Ramírez, director of the Cultural Complex. He told the Cuban News Agency that the venue suffered considerable damage to its infrastructure after Hurricane Melissa struck eastern Cuba last October. Also he anticipated that it might reopen in a small hall located in the lobby, coinciding with the anniversary.
This space, with a capacity of up to 50 people, will launch a program of activities. Related to music, acting, and storytelling, the director added.
Following the triumph of the Revolution, the institution hosted the first performance of the Rodrigo Prats Lyric Theater in 1961 with “Los Gavilanes.” Under the direction of baritone Raúl Camayd. In 1981, it adopted its current name, the Eddy Suñol Theater.
Decades later, the inexorable passage of time led to its deterioration and closure for more than a decade, until its reopening in July 2011.
Ángela Peña Obregón, a historian and researcher of local architecture, noted that Parajón harmoniously integrated the colossal structure into the urban context. Characterized by the arcades overlooking the park. Moreover its grandeur balanced the area, which had been dominated since the 19th century by the historic neoclassical building La Periquera.
However the design is dominated by vertical lines, with a maximum height of 15.74 meters at the façade. Divided into five sections by semi-pilasters with stepped, hierarchical decoration in the center, the researcher added.
Its state-of-the-art technology made it the most modern theater in Cuba at the time. The Western Electric Motiograph Model K projectors were present. As a novelty at the New York World’s Fair in August 1939. Also the 20 by 22-meter Hudley screen and the New Everlitt system of gradual light perforations were also used for the first time in the country.
Currently, the Eddy Suñol Theater comprises the main Raúl Camayd Hall. The smaller Alberto Dávalos and Los Gavilanes Halls, and the Ismaelillo Hall, located a few blocks from the main building.
With information from CNA
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