Be moved by the rhythm and passion of flamenco
LA ROSA will present … en el Tablao
Flamenco (…in the flamenco tablao), at the Oude Libertas from January 30 to February 2 and at Artscape from February 14 to 23. The show will be choreographed by “La Truco”, Eliezer Truco Pinillos, of Madrid, and directed by Carolyn Holden.
La Rosa’s association with La Truco spans 12 years, starting out as a teacher-pupil relationship when Holden attended her classes in Madrid in 2001. La Truco’s techniques and unique flamenco style permeate La Rosa’s repertoire.
Dancers in the production will include Lisa Ventura, Kim Pretorius, Ché Adams, Zethu Mtati, Ndumiso Tafeni, Luvuyo Simandla and Nicole Brown. La Rosa’s musical ensemble, led by Bienyameen Camroodien, includes percussionist Robert Davids, flamenco guitarist Robert Jeffery and cantaora Loreán Swartz.
The production will explore the dynamics of Spanish nightlife during the early 1940s.
Tablao, meaning “wooden stage” in Spanish, refers to the small piece of wooden floor used in flamenco performance. During World War II, General Franco offered America the opportunity to establish military bases in Spain to facilitate access to Europe. Franco encouraged the establishment of tablaos as a means to market Spain. As a result, flamenco artists were often exploited, tainting the reputation of flamenco as an art. It was only after the demise of Franco during the 1970s that dancers were able to begin breaking down the stereotypes associated with flamenco and rebuilding the integrity of the form. – Arts writer
Tickets are R120 to R140. To book, call Computicket at 0861 915 8000, or Oude Libertas at 021 809 7473, or Artscape at 021 421 7695.