In Letters from Cuba the two main characters are Luis and Fran. Luis is Fran’s brother that lives in Cuba and Fran is his sister that lives in New York. This placed an emotional and psychical distance on the two of them. In order to overcome it, creative expression, shared memories and the pursuit of their dreams is displayed in this play. First through the primary source of connection between the both of them is letters displayed throughout the whole play. The letters are what they use to maintain their bond despite the distance. So in a way the letters become a metaphor for their connection which represents a link to each other’s lives and emotions. These letters are not just full of information but hold deep emotions to them where they discuss their innermost thoughts, fears and aspirations. The two of them also attempt to bridge the psychical and emotional gap that has developed between them by reflecting on shared memories and familial love. The brother’s letters consist of a vivid description of life in Cuba as well as his emotions on the struggles with the letters sending and receiving but also how he really wants a reunion between the two of them. In one of the letters he writes to Fran and says “I hear it is possible to travel to the States through Mexico. I will attempt to do that. First of all, I need to get a Mexican visa. To get a Mexican visa, I must present a legalized birth certificate. To get this, I must have the date, volume, and folio of my registration and the number and address of the registry where it was filed. I must have all this on hand when I’m called to appear … without this, I will not be able to travel. I hope the registration information is in one of the folders Mother keeps in her files.

Love, Luis” (Fornes 23). This goes to show that he is putting in effort to do background research on how he will be able to be one with his sister again. As well as his sister’s letter back to him shows her determination to support her brother regardless of the separation. These exchanges highlight their mutual dependence and the strength of their bond, underscoring the human need for connection and belonging. Art and creative expression play a significant role in bringing these two closers to one another for example Luis’s passion for dancing. His dancing served as a physical and spiritual form of expression which allowed him to overlook difficult circumstances and connect to his cultural roots. Dance opened the door for him to share his joy, struggles and dreams with his sister as well. Luis and Fran’s dreams and spirituality deeply intertwine with their desire for connection. The brother’s dream of reuniting with his sister and pursuing a better life resonates throughout the play, providing hope and purpose. It is shown throughout the play that these dreams are not just individual aspirations but shared ones. Their dreams act as a unifying force, symbolizing their shared vision of a future where they can be together.

“Letters from Cuba-Maria Irene Fornes.” Scribd, Scribd, www.scribd.com/document/454679058/Letters-from-Cuba-Maria-Irene-Fornes.”