Havana, Cuba – cuban actress Miriam learra, a prominent figure in Cuban theater for over six decades, has died in Havana at the age of 88. News of her passing emerged Tuesday, prompting tributes from colleagues and admirers.
Learra began her career after graduating as an optometrist, defying family expectations to pursue her passion for acting. She initially trained with directors Julio Mata and Rubén Vigón, performing at the Las Máscaras and Arlequín theaters.A pivotal moment came with her involvement with Teatro Estudio in the 1960s, where she collaborated with renowned directors including Raquel and Vicente Revuelta, Abelardo Estorino, Armando Suárez del Villar, and, most notably, Berta Martínez.
“Among the notable and recognizable actresses in the team of actors who joined Teatro Estudio from the 60s onwards, there is undoubtedly Miriam Learra,” stated critic and researcher Norge Espinosa to On Cuba. He highlighted her versatility, noting her ability to seamlessly transition between comedic roles, such as in Golden Calf, and dramatic performances like those in Blood Wedding. Espinosa also cited her memorable portrayals of characters in Estorino’s Cold Air, Dying from the Story, and it Looks White.
Learra continued her career with the Hubert de Blanck company, formed in 1991 after a split from Teatro Estudio, drawn by the continued presence of Martínez and Estorino. She later served as co-director of the company, though she preferred acting to administrative duties.
In a 2021 interview with Cubaescena, Learra recounted her early life, noting her Basque and Catalan ancestry and her initial training in optometry.She also spoke fondly of her musical experiences with composer Marta Valdés.
Espinosa recalled a recent conversation with Learra in 2021 during a tribute to Berta Martínez, saying, “I think the image with which I prefer to say goodbye to her is that, next to me and Roberto Gacio, also now deceased, talking about everything that she learned together with that great woman of Cuban theater who was Berta Martínez.”
