Calling all voters, non-voters and those of you who just get a good laugh at politics… There’s a new play coming to town; The Cuban Vote, written by playwright, actor, director, activist and just all around talented – and funny-as-shit – human being, Carmen Pelaez (Rum and Coke, Miami New Drama’s 7 Deadly Sins, Fake).
The romantic political comedy, inspired by Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, is set amongst a Miami mayoral campaign and the shenanigans that make up politics in the city. The play draws you into two candidates’ (Carolina and Alex) quest for the mayorship that can only happen in Miami. It’s part personal to Pelaez and part an investigation into the insanity that are the South Florida city’s politics, “I’ve worked on several campaigns, at all levels here and the things that I’ve seen on the campaign trail are bonkers.”
“I wanted to wrap it all into a love story because all politics, ultimately is personal.”
Without being dogmatic or soap-boxy, Pelaez has written The Cuban Vote in the way that she relates to politics and what’s going on. It’s a medium that can hopefully disarm people, so that they can be reminded that the politicians work for them and that ultimately we’re all on the same side(ish).
Related Post: 10 Contemporary Cuba Films to Watch Now
“Too many people are taking a very cynical approach to our community. Because our community is so traumatized, there is a knee-jerk response,” the playwright tells Startup Cuba. “My hope is to put a pause on the knee jerk response and kinda say, listen, ‘what do you really want?'”
Produced by Miami New Drama, The Cuban Vote – which is both written by and staring Pelaez – will be playing at the Colony Theater in Miami Beach, at 1040 Lincoln Road. Previews start on April 22nd, with the curtain officially lifting on April 30th.
Based on Pelaez’s previous work, not only should you expect this to be highly comedic and enjoyable to watch, but The Cuban Vote is also likely to sell out. Get tickets early.
Visit Miami New Drama for ticket information.
Just remember to include us Black & Mulatto Cubans who make up 55% of Cuba’s population. Just an FYI.
Victor Emanuel Moreno
I’ve had very negative online experiences with Carmen and would not support anything she does.