In Fair Havana, Where We Lay Our Scene: Romeo and Juliet in Cuba

“In fair Havana, where we lay our scene ….” This is not, of course, the traditional opening line to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, but Shakespeare’s works, and especially Romeo and Juliet, are well known and well respected in Cuba. Romeo and Juliet is read by all students in the tenth grade. It has been performed in Havana, both as a play and as a ballet. Cinematic versions of this and other Shakespeare plays are frequently shown on Cuban television, and Romeo y Julieta is even the brand name of a popular Cuban cigar.