The U.S. Embassy in Havana (State Department Photo)
The Chicago Latino Theater Alliance’s “DESTINOS,” the first Chicago International Latino Theater Festival, has been forced to cancel the U.S. premiere of the Cuban theater company Ludi Teatro.
Executive Director Myrna Salazar said that “due to logistical changes required by the Trump administration and the resulting current state of diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba, the process for obtaining U.S. visas for our Cuban actors has become more challenging. These changes were unexpected and have made it impossible for us to ensure entry into the country for Ludi Teatro. Because CLATA strives to engage in a global artistic exchange to break down barriers that separate our cultures and communities, it is with great regret that we must cancel the performances by Ludi Teatro in this year’s Destinos Chicago International Theatre Festival.”
On September 29th, the Trump administration announced it would reduce embassy personnel in Havana by 60 percent, effectively closing the consulate that issues visas to Cubans traveling to the United States. The State Department also issued a “Cuba Travel Warning,” advising U.S. citizens to avoid travel to Cuba.
Ludi Teatro was to present “The Mirror” October 19-22, 2017 at Steppenwolf’s 1700 Theatre. Ticket holders will be refunded.
Abigail has worked as an actor/director in Chicago for over ten years, and along with husband Jason Epperson founded Lotus Theatricals in 2015, and PerformInk Chicago and Kansas City in 2016 (where she serves as Managing Editor of both publications). When not talking shop, Abigail is raising three padawans with Jason, drinking lots of coffee, converting school buses into RV's, and eating all the foods at Disney World. You can find her on Twitter @AbigailTrabue
