Cuban actress Claudia Valdés announced on Sunday the European tour for her solo performance, "My Daughter Is an Astronaut." Confirmed shows will take place in Madrid and Paris this December, with a date yet to be finalized in Barcelona.
In a video shared on her social media, Valdés outlined the schedule: She will perform at Madrid's Teatro Victoria on December 3 and 4, and at Paris' Apollo Théâtre, specifically in Salle 168, on December 6. The venue in Paris seats 168 people. Tickets for both cities can be purchased at claudiavaldes.net.
Exploring the Depths of Autism Through Art
"This book and the show are dedicated to the world of autism, but the most interesting aspect is that when I wrote it, it wasn't solely for families living with autism. It was for anyone facing unexpected life challenges," Valdés explained during the announcement.
The play emerges from a deeply personal experience. Valdés' daughter, Lucía, born in Miami in 2018 with actor and comedian Alexis Valdés, was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at age two. Valdés noticed early signs when Lucía was just a few months old. This led her to write a book of the same name, published in print in December 2023 as a form of personal therapy, later adapting it for the stage.
A Journey of Success and Resilience
The title cleverly plays on the phonetic similarity between "autistic" and "astronaut," offering a hopeful perspective on the abilities of those with ASD. However, Valdés emphasizes the show's broader message: "It's about how we face unexpected challenges in life and how these situations reveal our true selves."
The European tour follows a successful U.S. run. According to a June announcement, the show traveled to multiple cities from June to August, including Miami, Louisville, Naples, Houston, The Woodlands, and Tampa. "It's been a success in every city where I've performed," Valdés stated in Sunday's video.
Born in Havana in 1988, Valdés has lived in Miami since 2008. She built her film career in Cuba with works like "Los dioses rotos" and "La edad de la peseta" before moving into theater in exile. Both she and her husband Alexis have maintained a critical stance against the Cuban regime.
Addressing the biggest challenge in the autism community, Valdés has been candid in past statements: "My greatest fear isn't autism at all. My greatest fear is us, society. We struggle to adapt and understand people who are different."
Insights into Claudia Valdés' Tour and Show
What is the theme of Claudia Valdés' show "My Daughter Is an Astronaut"?
The show explores themes of autism, resilience, and facing unexpected life challenges. It aims to resonate not only with families dealing with autism but with anyone confronting unforeseen situations.
Where and when are the European tour dates for Claudia Valdés' show?
The tour includes performances at Teatro Victoria in Madrid on December 3 and 4, and at Apollo Théâtre's Salle 168 in Paris on December 6. A Barcelona date is yet to be announced.