Goodbye to Dimas Rolando, eternal promoter of Cuban theater

August 9, 2021

Dimas Rolando will remain in the memory of everyone for his kindness, his courtesy, and his good conversation.

He stood out for his singular figure: small, agile in his gait, and always with his hat on. Dimas shared the experience of his long career with younger people. His training in the then Soviet Union allowed him to introduce new techniques and training at the National School of Art; while also bringing great classical theater titles to the stage.

He was an actor and director since the 1970s, and was also a teacher to many generations of actors and actresses. For years he served as director of the Casa de la Comedia, where he created regular spaces for the promotion of theater in the community.

Following his passing on social media, some described him as a "man of extraordinary human sensitivity and integral artist," while other voices expressed that it was a loss of "too much sadness."

For some years now, Dimas Rolando worked as a specialist at the Centro de Teatro de La Habana, advising a good number of creative processes; collaborating here and there, sharing his knowledge, contributing, finding solutions to conflicts, mediating, advising.

Dimas had been hospitalized with Covid-19 for several days, he was doing better—he was almost ready to be discharged—but his condition suddenly worsened to a fatal outcome.

The Centro de Teatro de La Habana published:

Today the day dawned very sad, we have just received the unfortunate news that Dimas Rolando Mesa has passed away from Covid, Advisor, Artistic Director of the CTH. The Elder Father of all of us. Rest in peace, much light. Eternally in our hearts. Thank you for your teaching, your unconditional love for Theater and National Culture, there are no words to describe this great pain caused by your passing.

From the Consejo Nacional de las Artes Escénicas the message had a similar tone:

When we were already thinking that Covid would allow him to be among us, Dimas Rolando Mesa died. Actor, professor and theatrical director, for some years he also served as advisor to the Centro de Teatro de La Habana. Great connoisseur of universal and Cuban theater. Protagonist himself of his small and great moments of glory. A career that allowed him to have a respected and at the same time much-loved voice. On behalf of the Consejo Nacional de las Artes Escénicas, our most heartfelt condolences reach his family and friends.

From profound sorrow, the Cuban theatrical community says goodbye to one of its most beloved members, a man who contributed greatly to the development and promotion of theater in Cuba. His legacy will remain in the memory of several generations of artists who today continue his work and perseverance.