A vibrant Cuban theatrical production featuring musical adaptations of The Beatles’ greatest hits has made its international debut at the Kolkata International Children’s Film Festival. The performance, titled after the legendary band’s iconic anthology album ‘1,’ represents a unique cultural fusion that merges British musical heritage with distinct Cuban artistic expression.
Directed by acclaimed Cuban theater director Carlos Alberto Cremata of La Colmenita company, the production creatively reimagines Charles Perrault’s classic fairy tales through the lens of The Beatles’ timeless music. Cremata explained to press members that the songs of the famous English group serve as ‘a key element of the entertaining plot,’ providing both narrative structure and emotional depth to the performance.
The production distinguishes itself through its incorporation of authentically Cuban linguistic elements and traditional rhythms, creating a distinctive cultural hybrid that celebrates both British and Cuban artistic traditions. This innovative approach to children’s theater demonstrates how cross-cultural artistic collaborations can create fresh theatrical experiences that resonate with international audiences.
The festival, which will continue through January 29, 2026, features an impressive lineup of 180 films from 32 countries, providing a global platform for children’s entertainment and educational content. The event was attended by diplomatic representatives including Cuban Ambassador Juan Marsan and First Secretary Maiky Diaz, who participated in the inauguration of a thematic exhibition alongside Indranil Sen, Minister of State for Information and Culture of West Bengal.