Flamenco show tells story of the quest of the three kings
Flamenco show tells story of the quest of the three kings
The National Institute of Flamenco is always up for a challenge.
This year, instead of having a winter recital, leaders at the institute decided to push forward and do a Christmas-themed production.
After months of preparation, “La Estrella: A Flamenco Journey of the Kings’ Quest” is coming to fruition.
“This is a new project and we’re really excited about it,” says Marisol Encinias, NIF associate director. “We did our holiday recital for 19 years. For our 20th year, we wanted to do more of a production. It’s going to be a different experience for our students.”
Encinias says “La Estrella” dramatizes the journey of the three kings.
The production is based on the 12th century mystery play “Auto de los Tres Reyes Magos” — the earliest known play in Spanish.
“Audiences get to see the travels the kings go on,” Encinias says. “They also question the significance of the star.”
Encinias says the show features flamenco dance and music, villancicos (Christmas carols), Spanish regional dances, escuela bolera, African dance and las posadas.
The production features Carlos Menchaca, Nevarez and José Encinias as the kings. The three are members of Yjastros: The American Flamenco Repertory Company.
Encinias says there are musicians as well as a large cast of students from the Conservatory of Flamenco Arts and Tierra Adentro Charter School. In all, there will be 127 performers in the piece.
Marison Encinias has teamed up with her mother, Eva, and brother, Joaquin to co-direct the show.
“It’s a joint artistic project,” she says. “Usually, one person is in charge. This piece has been more of a true collaboration, and it’s been interesting in that way, because we all bring something different.”
Encinias says working on the piece has sparked a new flame for the company.
“It’s been a lot of work to get this off the ground,” she says. “But we’ve been able to push the institute forward and hope to do more original productions like this.”