KENNESAW, Ga. | Aug 20, 2019

Marissa Chibas tells an astonishing tale in her solo autobiographical performance of “Daughter of a Cuban Revolutionary.”

Her father co-wrote the manifesto for the Cuban revolution with Fidel Castro, her mother was Miss Cuba runner-up in 1959, and her uncle was the frontrunner for the Cuban presidency in 1951 before committing suicide during a live radio broadcast.

Zigzagging through these and other key episodes in the history of her illustrious family—combined with her own personal stories and perspectives—author and actor Chibas gives an impassioned, live-wire performance that is propelled by her near-death experience in the Venezuelan Amazonia.

The opening event for “Year of Cuba,” KSU’s nationally-acclaimed country study program of the Division of Global Affairs, “Daughter of a Cuban Revolutionary” gives audience members insight into the Cuban Revolution through a deeply personal lens. Professor Harrison Long, Interim Chair of the Department of Theatre and Performance Studies, said, “Chibas’ solo performance is a remarkable achievement. We are thrilled to offer this illuminating piece of theatre to our audiences and proud for our students to learn from an acclaimed master teacher.”

Assistant Chair Karen Robinson said, “Our students will witness and experience a world-class performer’s work through both writing and performing. As future theatre-makers, they will hopefully see the power of writing and performing original work, and perhaps be inspired to bring their own stories to the stage.”

“I also hope that students—and patrons—will be rewarded by a glimpse into a Latina performer’s embodied experience as a Cuban-American, especially in a time when it is so important to understand the multiplicity of identities and cultures that are part of the American fabric,” added Robinson.   

Part of the ArtsKSU Presents Professional Series, each performance will be followed by a talkback with Chibas.  The performances are scheduled for three nights only: September 5-7 at the Stillwell Theater at Kennesaw State University on the Kennesaw campus. To buy tickets, please visit arts.kennesaw.edu.