Gala Fiesta de la Bulería de Jerez: Mujeres de Cal y Cante @ Sadler’s Wells (Flamenco Festival London 2022) Review

Duende – a term referring to the mysterious power of art to deeply move a person is an integral facet of Spanish culture, the term itself deriving from a fairy or goblin like creature within Spanish and Latin American mythology, it is the ‘spirit of evocation’. A powerful exploration of the duende, and the strength of women both on an individual and communal basis, Compañía María del Mar Moreno, with guest artists La Moneta, Pastora Galván and Juana la del Pipa present Gala Fiesta de la Bulería de Jerez: Mujeres de Cal y Cante.

What becomes clear instantly is the marriage between the musical and the choreographic components, performers María del Mar Moreno, Fuensanta la Moneta, Pastora Galván, Leli Sordera and Carmen Jiménez beautifully, in turn, synergising with the live accompaniments that evoke the auditorium’s ever changing spiritual tone, thunderous footwork the show’s ultimate voice, the speed in which performers deliver this particular flamenco element absolutely astounding and characterful. Emotions channelled through the elongated and sustained placements of the arms, often extensions of oneself and a means of tapping into to spiritual externally.

Vocalists Tía Juana la del Pipa, Rosario Heredia Saira Malena and Anonio Malena further orchestrating the production’s shifting moods with potent Spanish lyrics that evoke a passion and strength. Guitarists Santiago Moreno and Pascual De Lorca and percussionists Ale De La Gitanería and Javi Peña supply the production’s beating heart, no moment spared on stage, Gala Fiesta de la Bulería de Jerez: Mujeres de Cal y Cante is a celebration of wisdom, solidarity and the power of spirit.

Review written by Lucy Basaba.

Gala Fiesta de la Bulería de Jerez: Mujeres de Cal y Cante was shown on Subday 24th and Saturday 25th June 2022 at Sadler’s Wells as part of this year’s Flamenco Festival. To find out more about the event, visit here…

Written by Theatrefullstop