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Farruquito continues to work as hard as ever. He wants the public to retain his image as a bailaor (flamenco dancer), and not just as someone who ran someone over, killing him. However, in his life he has had to play both these roles. One of them, he chose. As for the other, some feel that he went looking for it, others feel that he came across it by chance. And while the yoke of justice tightens around him, he doesn't stop climbing onto stages and filling up theatres. Unless something stops him, he will be in the Teatro Calderón in Madrid from 16 September until 17 October with 'Farruquito y familia' (Farruquito and family), a show whose premiere performance was in the Town Hall in New York (2001). Flamenco roots, without any additives, pure gypsyness and tradition that gives way to improvisation and emotion. The flamenco palos (forms), bare and performed with the strength and passion of Farruquito and the 'jondura' (lit. 'depth' an expression used to refer to the most solemn and authentic expressions of flamenco) of a unique family.

When last year you performed 'Alma Vieja' in the Teatro Albéniz in Madrid, it was sold out for five days. Do you think it will happen again this time?

I hope so, although there are more dates this time, and it is very difficult to sell all the tickets over a whole month. I hope it goes well…

'Farruquito y Familia' (Farruquito and Family) is a simple show, a journey through the different traditional flamenco palos (forms) without any argument. What do you seek to express?

It is a show that has no adornments and has been extracted from the magic of nonsense. It is simple, yes, but at the same time, it is very difficult to portray pure flamenco drawn from the roots.

At present, it seems that flamenco with a narrative plot, which is more theatrical, is fashionable… Is there any story that you would like to tell in a flamenco key in the future?

There are a few stories that I have written down, but at present, I prefer to continue dancing in a show that has no subject.

Tell me about what each member of your family contributes to the show.

First of all, the musicians, who contribute half of the inspiration, strength and enthusiasm in the dancing. As for my family, my Farru (his brother Farruco), who is my greatest support, my walking stick, my rage and my competitor; La Gorda (his aunt La Faraona), who is the one who makes me smell Farruco's scent; El Negro (his cousin El Barullo) brings me the experience without logic of the old gypsies and my mother, La Farruca, is my grand project and the one who returns [onstage] to give me wings.

And what does Farruquito contribute to his family?
Everyting he can, both morally and physically.

What does it feel like to direct your own family?

Well, you see… It is a very big head-ache at the same time as it makes me very proud.

Your brother is following your footsteps very closely, what advice would you give him?

Firstly, that he should do his own things, that he should never think of imitating me. I also ask him to treat this art with great respect and to be open-minded, willing to learn from everyone.

You divulge the rules of the School of Farruco in your dance school in Seville, and you also teach on intensive courses in other schools. What must be required of a bailaor (flamenco dancer)?

That when he's dancing he shouldn't even remember about eating, or drinking.

You are located within the pure and orthodox flamenco tradition, what do you think about the fusion that is fashionable at present?

I have said this a thousand times, I don't like to talk about what I don't understand.

You don't stop reaping successes; your performance sold out in the Festival del Cante de las Minas and you were also very successful in the Forum in Barcelona. Do you think that your problems with the law increased your popularity?

I don't want to believe they have. It would be something very sad to take in.

One place where you have finally been unable to be is the Seville Biennial. How did you take it?

After such a long time without appearing in the Biennial, I have taken it like I take most things… It is something that fate decided for me.

You have performed all over the world. In what country do you think that the audience understands flamenco better?

Sadly, it is in Japan.

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i wonder whether he truly has paid his debt to society?

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alot of the stuff he has said in interviews leads me to believe he's difficult as a person.

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La Gorda (his aunt La Faraona), who is the one who makes me smell Farruco's scent

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ORIGINAL: Conrad

Farru:

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His answers are a little strange in that interview. "Sadly, it's in Japan"? Is it only sad because he thinks they appreciate it more there than in Spain or does he have some other problem with Japan?