An extensive program of cultural and artistic activities will be held to commemorate the hundredth anniversary of the birth of Ignacio Villa, the Cuban artist known as Bola de Nieve, Susana Méndez reports for Cuba Headlines.
The program has been organized by the Association of Cuban Artists and Writers (UNEAC), and it was announced at a press conference held by the head of the institution, writer Miguel Barnet. Also present were Raquel Villa, Bola de Nieves’ sister, and maestro Luis Carbonell—whom Barnet described as “one of the best poetry performers in the Spanish language.”
Barnet declared that he felt “very close to Ignacio Villa because of his music, his character, genius and ingenuity. His ‘de manguero’ voice, as he said, captivated the whole world, because he was not only an artist loved by the Latin America public, but performed as far away as China and throughout Europe. He had an extraordinary artistic career”.
Maestro Guido López Gavilán added that “while there is Cuba there will be Bola de Nieve, because that is just what he managed to be, Cuba.”
A poem titled “Oriki,” written in Yoruba by Barnet and dedicated to Bola de Nieve, was read by Luis Carbonell.
Nisia Agüero, organizer of the commemorative event, explained the program of activities, which opened on September 10 with the performance of a musical show entitled “Monseñor Bola” by the Héctor Quintero Theatre Company, under the direction of Anita Molinet.
On September 11, Nelson Camacho organized a concert at the Fine Arts Museum.
An exhibit titled “Bola in memoriam,” by artist Santos Toledo will open on September 12 at UNEAC’s Villena Hall. Later on, in the same venue, will be held a colloquium, with the participation of Marta Valdés, Pedro de la Hoz, Oscar Oramas and José Reyes Fortún; Cary Diez, the vice president of the institution, will be the host of the event.
Canciones de Bola (Songs of Bola), a concert featuring Omara Portuondo, Luis Carbonell, Nelson Camacho and several soloists from the Mariana de Gonich academy is scheduled for September 15 at the same venue.
On September 20, the Infanta cinema will show “Yo soy la canción que canto,” by Mayra Vilasís, “Viva papi” by Juan Padrón and “Chivo que rompe tambó” by Toni Nodarse. Other documentaries will be screened on September 22, also at Villen Hall.
The play Tú no sospechas with the dance-theater group Retazos, will premiere on September 29 at Las Carolinas Theater.
The book Bola by Ramón Fajardo will be launched at UNEAC on that same day.
Ignacio Villa died October 2nd 1971 in Mexico City and was buried on October 5 at the Guanabacoa cemetery. On the 40th anniversary of his death there will be a pilgrimage to his grave at 10am. A tribute at the gravesite will be presided over by Miguel Barnet.
For the original report go to http://www.cubaheadlines.com/2011/09/12/33651/while_cuba_exists_bola_de_nieve_will_exist.html#ixzz1XhRcZuSR
