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BarkellWH -> RE: "Metafora" Performance Tonight in Washinton, DC (Mar. 11 2013 16:11:25)
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As I earlier wrote I would do, last night I went to see the program "Metafora," held in Lisner Auditorium in Washington, DC and produced by the Institute Andaluz del Flamenco. The program flyer brought me abruptly up when I read the bold lead line in the description of "Metafora": FLAMENCO DANCE ACCORDING TO NIETZCHE AND LORCA. First time I have ever seen Friedrich Nietzche associated with a flamenco program! Nietzche was quoted as saying, "Dance is a metaphor for thought." Garcia Lorca was quoted as writing, "Dance is what remains over the final ashes." Heavy stuff. Having read my copy of Nietzche's "Also Sprach Zarathustra" (Thus Spoke Zarathustra) twice over the years, I cannot imagine Nietzche was actually an aficionado of flamenco. But maybe in his lighter moments (which must have been few), he stole down to andalucia for some dance and manzanilla.
Nevertheless, it was an interesting evening. The first half, before the intermission, was recognizable as more traditional flamenco, with modern touches. Two guitars, one cajon, two cantaors (one male, one female) and a group of male and female dancers. They were good, and for most of the numbers the women wore batas de cola, which my guru and mentor, Paco de Malaga, tells me are coming back into fashion again for female dancers. The one standout guest artist was Rocio Molina, who did a couple of solo dances and was absolutely exquisite.
The second half of the program veered away from flamenco and was really ballet with a Spanish flavor. Gone were the guitars, as recorded orchestral compositions provided the music. Nevertheless, the dancing was good. I'm sure it surprised some in the audience, as I think most came thinking they would see a full evening of flamenco, but they got an evening of "half and half." Overall, an entertaining evening.
Cheers,
Bill
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