The show is to be performed at Sadler's Wells from June 16th to 22nd, 2003

Flamenco-world.com

It isn't going to be the first time that Spain's National Ballet (BNE) has performed at the Sadler's Wells Theatre in London. Nor will it be the first time it has displayed a choreography by Antonio Gades. 'Bodas de Sangre' and 'Carmen' have already set precedents in the theater's history book. Now it's the turn of 'Fuenteovejuna', a show based on the play of the same name by Lope de Vega which was premiered at Genoa's Opera House in 1994. The show will be on the bill from June 16th to 22nd, 2003.

Photo: Daniel Muñoz

'Fuenteovejuna' reaffirms Antonio Gades as one of the great names in international choreography. The show narrates, by means of clear, expressive composition work based on dancing, music and light, the classic drama by Lope de Vega, a key figure in the literature of Spain's Golden Age. The play, adapted by J.M. Caballero Bonald for the occasion, narrates the rebellion of a town against oppression.

And, to do so, Antonio Gades, who takes care of the choreography, directing and lighting, has surrounded himself with a seedbed of top-notch collaborators. The artistic direction corresponds to Elvira Andrés, the current director of Spain's National Ballet. The main dancing is in the hands of the company's lead dancers such as Mayte Bajo, Kira Gimeno, Óscar Jiménez and Francisco J. Velasco. Joining them is the usual dance corps of this ballet founded in 1978 under Antonio Gades' direction. As a lure, the choreographer of the successful 'Bodas de Sangre', 'El Amor Brujo' and 'Carmen' blends serious research work on Spanish folkloric dances into the show.

Sadler's Wells will have the work on the bill from June 16th to 22nd. The theater has scheduled an audiodescribed performance on Saturday the 21st, preceded by a special flamenco workshop for the blind. Since re-opening in 1998, Sadler's Wells has hosted flamenco companies such as that of Paco Peña in 2001, Joaquín Cortés in 2000, Sara Baras in 1999 and La Cuadra de Sevilla in 1998.

Photo: Daniel Muñoz

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