Viaje Flamenco

Around the world in a journey of dance
February 13, 2007

By Beverley Brommert

Director: Geoffrey Hyland
Cast: Members of La Rosa Spanish Dance Theatre
Guest Artists: Joaquin Ruiz, José Salinas
Venue: Oude Libertas Amphitheatre, until February 17
Rating: ****

Just when it seems there is no further scope for innovation in staging flamenco, lo and behold: Carolyn Holden of La Rosa Spanish Dance Theatre devises a brand new production to engage the minds and hearts of an audience.

Apart from its considerable intrinsic merit, Viaje Flamenco is well served by intelligent direction from Geoffrey Hyland and sympathetic accompaniment from the ever-reliable Bienyameen Camrodien, who heads a larger-than-average musical ensemble at the back of the stage. As for the setting, the spacious venue of the amphitheatre on a balmy summer evening could hardly be bettered.

What this show offers is both entertaining and didactic, as it explores the diverse cultural strands in flamenco's rich texture. The concept of the journey (viaje) of flamenco as a continuous evolution, a progress starting far back in time, is a unifying factor in the production as various dance styles are synthesised into the crucible of Spanish dance.

(leer +) [vía tonight]

tags: flamenco, baile, cante, viaje flamenco