I am a Cardiff based actress/ writer and I am currently developing a play called ‘Besame Mucho’ , a Cuban Political Love story. I have recently completed a first draft and I am now approaching the next stage of development ; applying to participate in the Incubator Initiative at WMC in November and making a funding application for a small research and development grant from Arts Council Wales. 

I am looking for a dynamic and creative producer to support the development of the project on a long term basis. I would like to work with a producer through the application stages of funding to developing work in progress for the Incubator project and onwards. I fully understand that other work commitments may take priority during this time 

This is a passion project and has been in development for the past two years so, as you can imagine, I have a clear vision of the potential for the production and where I would like it go. I believe ‘Besame Mucho’ has a vast appeal as it touches on many different social, cultural and political issues. 

I have cast members in mind and a Cuban/Columbian band on board who will be narrating through song and performing their own original score during the production

When the project receives funding I will be able to offer a fee to members of the creative team, however at this point, I am only able to cover travel expenses. I am also happy to travel to meet anyone who is interested in discussing ‘Besame Mucho’ in more detail.

I have included the synopsis below and if you have any questions then feel free to drop me a line via NTW or contact me directly via email on daniellefahiya@hotmail.com

Deadline for entries is 1st October 2014

Besame Mucho

Based on a true story, Besame Mucho tells the tale of Yeny and Peter; a young Cuban woman and a Welshman and how their worlds collide when they meet and fall in love. Political and social tensions play a huge part in the love story providing elements of mystery and danger. Besame Mucho was conceived while advisor on the project, Jonathan Moss Vernon, travelled frequently to Cuba over a 10 year period. Jonathan contacted a Cardiff based actress and writer, Danielle Fahiya, to see if she would be interested in writing and acting in the project. 

The story beings in 2002 where we meet Peter at his flat in Penarth depressed and alone, thinking about his past failed relationships and the mistakes in his life that have brought him to this point. As he is standing in his kitchen, washing his dishes, he suddenly has this magnificent vision of a street in Havana. This vision is so overwhelming and takes him from feelings of despair to euphoric happiness. Peter becomes consumed by the vision and persuades his cousin Mike to go on a holiday with him there 4 months later. Peter feels that there is something in Cuba for him, a pull, a need to go there and when he meets Yeny he understands why. 

On his first night in Cuba Yeny and Peter meet and have an undeniable attraction and remain inseparable from that moment onwards. Besame Mucho details their relationship over a 12 month period and the ups and downs of the problems they face along the way. Racial, social, cultural, political differences and tensions in Cuba, all make for a bumpy ride but Yeny and Peter seem determined not to let anything stand in the way of building a new life together back in the UK. Told from Yeny’s perspective we see the ongoing struggle she endures and how strong and determined she is to create a better life for her and her son Hector. However, when a betrayal comes from a closest friend and a figure from Yeny’s past resurfaces, rumours and childhood traumas come back to haunt her. As this unfolds we begin to see the breakdown of the relationship between Yeny and Peter ultimately leading to tragedy.

Set in Havana, music and dance are an essential element of the theatrical journey. Salsa and Regatton provide the main genres of music which will be performed throughout the show by ’La Renta‘, comprising of a 5 piece band hailing from Cuba and Columbia who will also take on minor roles and narrate parts of the story.