Voces Season 2 Episode 3 Unfinished Spaces

"Voces" is a documentary series that showcases moving stories from a Latin American perspective. Season 2, episode 3, titled "Unfinished Spaces," explores the story behind the revolutionary art schools of Cuba during the 1960s.

The episode features interviews with three visionary architects, Robert Gottardi, Ricardo Porro, and Vittorio Garatti, who were commissioned by Fidel Castro to design and build the National Art Schools in Havana. At the time, Cuba was experiencing a cultural awakening fueled by the 1959 revolution, and the art schools were meant to symbolize this new, progressive era.

As the episode unfolds, we learn about the ambitious vision for the project, which included several campuses designed to cultivate talent in diverse fields such as visual arts, dance, music, and theater. Each campus was to feature unique, avant-garde architecture inspired by the natural surroundings, such as the curvature of palm trees and the movement of the sea.

However, as the construction progressed, tensions began to rise between the architects and the government. The show sheds light on the economic challenges faced by the country during this period, and how the lack of resources led to bureaucratic hurdles and incomplete buildings. The architects also faced ideological clashes with the government, as their designs were deemed too Western or unaligned with the socialist values of the revolution.

Despite these obstacles, the architects remained committed to their vision, and the show celebrates their perseverance and the beauty of their creations. We see footage of the stunning structures, including the vaulted roofs and arches of the School of Ballet and the dramatic, open-air amphitheater of the School of Modern Dance. We also hear from former students who studied in these schools and the profound impact that the experience had on their lives and careers.

Overall, "Unfinished Spaces" is a powerful testament to the transformative power of art, the importance of creative expression, and the struggles of bringing innovative ideas to life. It is a poignant reminder of the rich cultural heritage of Cuba and the ongoing challenges that the country faces in preserving it.