Over 17 years ago, the tortured life of a Cuban dissident artist was the subject of a critically acclaimed film.
“Before Night Falls,” directed by Julian Schnabel, examines the life of Reinaldo Arenas, the poet and novelist oppressed by the Castro regime for his outspokenness and his homosexuality.
The film earned Spanish actor Javier Bardem an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of Arenas and also starred Johnny Depp, Diego Luna and Sean Penn.
The film shares a title with Arenas' posthumous memoir as well as an opera now being performed at the Adrienne Arsht Center by Florida Grand Opera.
In the interview below, WLRN’s Christine DiMattei talks to Jorge Martin, the composer of “Before Night Falls.”
IF YOU GO
What: “Before Night Falls” by Florida Grand Opera
When: 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday
Where: Adrienne Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami
Info: Please visit fgo.org or call 800-741-1010
