Nieves Laferté Dies, Master of Designers

February 9, 2025

Cuban design loses an essential figure. Nieves Laferté, renowned Cuban set designer and costume designer, has passed away in Havana.

Born on August 5, 1945 in the capital, Laferté devoted a large part of her creative work to Cuban theater and cinema.

Beyond her artistic work, Nieves Laferté stood out as a committed educator.

From an early age, Nieves showed an inclination toward drawing, which led her to enroll in the National School of Art. She expanded her training to encompass costume design, set design, and lighting, becoming an integral designer. Subsequently, she obtained a scholarship to study in Bratislava, where she perfected her skills and adopted a work ethic that allowed her to communicate effectively with technicians and workers in Cuban workshops.

Throughout her career, Laferté collaborated with numerous theater companies throughout the country, addressing various genres and styles. Her talent transcended to cinema, participating in Cuban films such as Kangamba, La anunciación, and Verde verde.

Her versatility and commitment led her to work with a wide number of Cuban directors, always bringing an enriching vision to each project.

Beyond her artistic work, Nieves Laferté stood out as a committed educator. She taught at institutions such as the International School of Film and Television of San Antonio de los Baños, the University of Cuyo in Mendoza, Argentina, the University of the Arts (ISA), and the National School of Art. Her dedication to teaching and research contributed significantly to the training of new generations of scenic designers in Cuba.

Laferté directed the Raúl Oliva Gallery, located in the Bertolt Brecht Cultural Center, a space dedicated to the promotion and dissemination of scenic design in Cuba. From there, she promoted the exhibition of works by graduates and fostered academic and professional exchange in the field of theatrical design. She was a collaborator with several specialized publications.

A cultured and generous woman, active participant in many artistic debates, Nieves Laferté leaves an important legacy for the Cuban stage.