|
|
August 17, 2008
Interview with singer-songwriter Silvio
Rodriguez
By Diego M. Vidal
A CubaNews translation by Odilia Galván
Rodríguez. 1 - When interviewing a Cuban, especially someone like you, whose presence anywhere in the world says Cuba and its revolution, it is inevitable to ask how the people on the island are living through the changes that are taking place. One just has to watch the national newscast three days in a row to realize that Cuba is a country immersed in a kind of torpor and at minimum needs to improve the image it has of itself. According to the Cubans I converse with on a daily basis - because obviously I do not have contact with everyone – our people feel a tremendous need for changes, not of principles, but yes, profound ones. I believe that the Cuban government is among those who are aware of this, especially when I hear President Raúl Castro say that socialism is uiequality of opportunity not egalitarianism, a concept not stated in half a century of Revolution. With regard to the real possibilities for change, I understand that many improvements can only be made through more production, but I also believe that there are urgent corrections, which do not have to wait for this. To cite just one example: the exit permit required, for Cubans to travel abroad. 2 - From the outside, everything looks a bit fuzzy, perhaps because of the distance required but also because of the excessive propaganda against Cuba. How have you lived through the whole process of the health [crisis] of Fidel, and Raul in the “drivers seat” of the Revolution? Not any more or any less than most people: those reported by official communiqués, and when I hear things through the foreign press rather than the Cuban-of course, I believe that our newsworthy shortcomings should at the same time be included with our improvements. 3 - The process of criticism and opinions of situations, which irritate Cuban society a lot, is not new. Especially in your case, your differences on many issues have been public and notorious. Do you think there is more room for this, or does your position as an artist, which includes being a member of the national assembly, give you more flexibility? It is clear that now there is more room for discussion, which did not exist before. This space was won slowly but steadily over the years. Popular opinion has contributed greatly to this, which has expressed itself through the channels where it could be and, though not always heeded, it continued being present and putting on the pressure. It is also true that we writers and artists have contributed our little grains of sand. This was recently palpable in the fighting spirit at the UNEAC congress. There, truths were told, that only the corrections of such would be able to erase. In those days I wrote some small verses – remembering Che in "Socialism and man in Cuba,” – which said: Guevara the human said/ that no intellectual / should be salaried / from official thinking. 4 - In your songs, you were quite critical or at least tongue-in-cheek about Cuban reality when it implemented measures such as the decriminalization of the dollar or the opening to tourism, which highlighted the contradictions and differences that emerged later. How do you think that everything that came afterwards affected Cuban society? All this happened when European socialism peaked and overnight Cuba lost 80% of its international trade. Because of the harsh situation we faced, they then had to consider extreme measures. In addition to the decriminalization of possession of foreign currency and opening to international tourism, small farmers markets and any other small business were allowed to open on their own – such as family restaurants, called paladares. The people desired these measures before this situation arose, because obviously, they serve to stimulate the national economy, but the socialist camp had to fall before they were authorized. These relief measures were also described as "deviations from the right path" and since then, the state has treated these initiatives with great reticence, to the point that he who possesses foreign currency is still viewed as a sort of delinquent. One of the fundamental problems of our socialism is that the state believes it is self-sufficient enough to operate all business and provide services required by the society as a whole. In 1968, in search of an ideal model of socialism, the so-called "revolutionary offensive" was put into place, which converted even the frita (popular hamburgers) stands over to state control. The state then tried to replace domestic trade with companies that have been sinking between bureaucratization and inefficiency. I see as hopeful, the recent measure to eliminate the salary cap because it indicates that there may be a change in this concept in terms of social and individual participation in the economy. I think that the national reality and the future cry out for a more participatory socialism with greater freedoms. 5 - In this context, the documentary "Men on deck" premiered – which commemorates your trip on the boat Playa Girón, at a time when you were not viewed favorably. What can you tell me about those times? I never have liked dwelling on personal issues from those days, when I had problems for singing or being a certain way, or for showing solidarity with disgraced friends. And every time I am less encouraged to do so, since I see others who seek to paint themselves as victims or as protesters seeking applause and other international legitimacy. Opportunism has always turned my stomach. If I write my memoirs, I will recount what I remember from those years as what they were: setbacks that can happen in any life, anywhere. 6 – Recently, there was a resurgence of public figures from the so-called "five-year grey period" of the Revolution in the 1960’s. And a cultural sector reacted in what is known as a "war of e-mails”, a virtual debate. How did you feel at seeing these people looking for a kind of historical reparation? The first thing I felt was surprise. I did not expect a reaction, I suppose because I myself did not react that way at seeing a former leader with whom I had differences, on television. My reaction was very different that night because seeing that person on television what I thought was; there he is, facing his negative reputation, something that struck me as courageous. I even looked at my compañera and said: I think we are growing. Days afterwards, the barrage of e-mails started, and that, on a level of catharsis, I think was very positive. I saw myself reflected in some of those messages, in others I did not. Maybe the things I went through were not as severe as what happened to others, or perhaps, I did not let then affect me much, although I did end up in the hands of a psychiatrist. I believe that though I am the type of person who does not forget, I do know how to forgive, or at least I am someone who knows that forgiveness is healthiest. 7 - Do you think it is somehow necessary that Cubans abroad participate in the current process on the island? It seems to me that any sensible idea deserves attention, wherever it comes from. I am among those who believe that you can also learn from the distant voices. Most of all, I am confident in the reason, in the ability and the feelings of those who know the reality rather than theory, who deal with it on a daily basis. 8 - What expectations do you have when you see the new political "map" of Latin America? The processes seem more solid, more cautious, I do not know if it’s because they are looking for less trouble so they can then better concentrate on their projects. Looking toward Latin America gives me everything: optimism, sadness, even something of a "déjà vu. 9 – Regarding Cuba's closest "neighbor", the United States, do you think some changes or improved relations are forthcoming if Barak Obama occupies the White House? It has been exhilarating to see Obama rise, for historical and political reasons, and obviously racial ones. However, the road to the presidency of the United States is a highly dynamic process that must be seen not just as what aspirants promise but what the journey toward the White House does to them. If he wins, we need to see the Obama who reaches the presidency – although, I have the feeling that whoever wins will be better than whom they have now. 10 - Earlier this year you completed a commendable and enriching job: Your project "Expedition", a series of concerts and cultural events in Cuba's prisons. How did you get the idea for the project and what was the response? At the beginning of the 1990’s The Troubadours, Vicente Feliú, Augusto Blanca and I, began a tour of Cuban prisons. When we were going through the province of Villa Clara we had to stop because of the gasoline shortage – this was the beginning of the difficult years of the so-called "special period". Since then, we had that commitment pending. Last year, at the last National Assembly which I attended as deputy, I asked for support to pay that debt and the initiative was very well received. We wanted to expand the original idea and bring a sampling of all Cuban music to prisons throughout the country: the traditional trova, filin, country music, and the son. We succeeded thanks to the immediate availability of the artists. Writers, who left a library of 300 books in each of the prisons, accompanied us, as did painters who held visual arts workshops, who also joined us. Between January and May, we visited 16 jails and shared with over 40,000 inmates, who painted and sang with us. The truth is that the results completely exceeded my expectations. A few days ago, I noticed that the Madrid Opera’s orchestra has just begun a tour of Spanish prisons, which put in my mind trying another tour, this time with symphonic music and soloists. 11 - What do you see in your future? Could you extend your current projects outside the island? Would there be an "Expedition" in other countries? I do not think that in the future I could devote myself solely to that. On the other hand, I think that each country must determine whether an expedition of this kind is possible in their reality. If that happens, let me recommend that it not happen only once: it is an experience, which must be given continuity, because it does the society and individuals good. 12 – Celebrations and tributes for the 80th anniversary of Che Guevara’s birth have been enacted across the world. What meaning does the figure of Che have for you? Do you think that the manipulation of his image, even with all good intention, overshadows the most powerful and interesting of his life, which was his political thought and action? In recent years, people have appeared trying to undermine Che’s personality and the sense of his struggle, which were guided by "deep feelings of love," as he once confessed. These are people concerned about the symbol that he has become, the hero of the twentieth century, and they do not hesitate to characterize Che as a terrorist, as they undoubtedly would do to Christ were he to be reborn. The truth is that Che Guevara was an extraordinary man, capable as few are, of being consistent with the idea of human redemption, and he not only left the example of his sacrifice: he also left us many written pages worth visiting. 13 - Let's go to the everyday: in "Cita con Angeles” (Date with Angels) and "Erase que era”, (If it were so), your house has been taken over by flowers [children]: you became a father and grandfather almost in unison… How does one reconcile this familial duality? Today my family is what I enjoy most in this life. I spent too many years losing out and am making up for that loss. It is that simple. 14 - In Argentina, Pablo [Milanés] and you did 14 concerts on your first visit. Every time you returned your shows sold out, do you plan to return soon and under what framework would you do it? The last two times I was in Argentina I played to mass audiences. The first in Buenos Aires, in front of the Casa Rosada, on a patriotic anniversary under a powerful downpour and with unshakeable assistance. The other, I sang in Mar del Plata, during a meeting of Latin American presidents. I had thought about returning last year to Buenos Aires, or this year, because I had been told that they were finalizing repairs on the Colón [Theater] and I did not want to say goodbye without being at least once at this wonderful theater. But each year they announce that the work will be completed the next and the truth is that I no do not know if I will still have the polenta [energy] when they finish. 15 - Vicente Feliú said in jest that the Nueva Trova is thinking of becoming the "Trova Social Club" because of the ages you all are now… however, your following and those who attend your concerts are mostly the young. Why do you think that is? It is true, many young people attend our concerts and for me this is a mystery. It may be that one begins to sing when young and falls in love within that timeframe. Then, one continues to express oneself as though they were still over there, something that for the unwary could be seductive. That must be what Vincent is referring to, so it is not as funny as it sounds. In any case, I hope that in that club, we can expect good things, like the compañeros of Buena Vista.
|
|
|
||
|
|
17-08-2008
Entrevista al cantautor Silvio
Rodríguez
Diego M. Vidal
1-
Cuando se entrevista a un cubano, en especial a alguien
como tú que en cualquier parte del mundo su presencia remite a
Cuba y su Revolución, es inevitable preguntarle cómo se viven en
la Isla los cambios que se van produciendo. |
|
|