Revolution Rent

Revolution Rent, a paramount documentary from the year 2019, guides us through the powerful journey of art bringing hope and acting as a bridge between two nations locked in political discord. Striking a balance between musical theatre and socio-historical challenges, it reveals a new lens to view Cuba-US relations, utilizing the timeless medium of performing arts.

An HBO original and winner of the Verizon Audience Award, Revolution Rent presents, as its key players, acclaimed figures like Tony and Emmy Award winner Michael Greif, Broadway producer Bob Nederlander Jr., and Anthony Rapp, the original and reprised Mark Cohen of the prestigious Pulitzer-winning play, Rent.

The film is a tribute to the late playwright and composer Jonathan Larson and his ground-breaking musical, Rent. Unraveling the narrative in Cuba, it records the directorial journey of Andy Señor Jr., an alumnus, now a director of Larson’s masterpiece. Hence, the documentary is a work on a legendary work. It beautifully captures the path to staging the first Broadway musical by an American company in Havana, after more than half a century of embargo and sociopolitical tension.

Revolution Rent is an intricate blend of musical journey and political dialog. The documentary vividly captures the parallel tracks, the tribulations of introducing a musical unseen by an entire generation, intertwined with the delicate socio-political fabric that underscores the entire endeavor.

Andy Señor Jr., an original Rent cast-member familiar with Rent’s ethos, shoulders the responsibility to maintain the spirit of the musical, all while navigating the complexities of a culture with limited access to this kind of performance art. A Cuban-American himself, Andy assumes the responsibility to understand, adapt, and overcome myriad complications to bring this unconventional rock musical to life.

The documentary deeply invests in emotional arcs of the Cuban actors brought on board to play characters like Mimi Marquez and Angel Dumott Schunard. Apart from the artistic undertakings, it sensitively traces the individual lives of these actors, their fears, dreams, and aspirations. The portrayal of their life stories is as raw and real as the characters they play on stage, offering a poignant look into the social reality of Cuba.

Rent, with its themes of resilience, inclusivity, and love, strikes a chord in the hearts of Cubans who wholeheartedly embrace the narrative that echoes their struggles and hopes. The elaborate score, the edgy choreography, and the intense themes of poverty, LGBTQ rights, friendship and mortality, make the task challenging, yet rewarding. The documentary's prevalence of themes from the musical itself - life, love and tribute to those we've lost, creates a mirroring effect for both the cast and the audience, further emphasizing the deep connectivity of humanity, irrespective of geographical and political divides.

Revolution Rent not only touches the nerve of artistic collaboration and cultural exchange. Michael Greif, the original director of Rent on Broadway, and Anthony Rapp chime in with thought-provoking reflections on what it represented then in the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis and how its themes apply universally today.

Ultimately, the film intricately layers the story of the production of Rent with glimpses into Cuban-American history, resulting in an exploration of artistic struggle through political and social restrictions. It narrates how art helps cross borders of restriction and difference and create moments of pure emotional unity. The process and performances encompassed in Revolution Rent act as a metaphor for political rebellion and, in turn, cultural revolution.

As vividly directed by Victor Patrick Alvarez and Andy Señor Jr., this documentary offers an engaging blend of musical performance, personal introspection and socio-political commentary, beautifully encapsulating the raw, transformative power of art. Revolution Rent is a must-watch, not only for musical theater enthusiasts but also for anyone who appreciates the unique way in which art can cross borders, uniting people in shared emotions and collective experiences that surpass geopolitical barriers.