Flamenco Fire Review

• Set Design
• Choreography
• Emotive
• Music

Show Name: Flamenco Fire, Gypsy Pathways

Date of Review: Thurs 2^nd Feb, 730pm.  Opening Night
Reviewer: Adelle Givney

Flamenco dance is something new to me, having never seen any “true” demonstrations of it.  Having said that, I went into the show not knowing what to expect.

One word?  PASSION.

Flamenco Fire have been performing Flamenco dance and music for 13 years, and this production – Gypsy pathways – follows the journey from India to Spain.

6 people, mostly dressed in black, sit at the back of the stage – there is no set.  An Indian woman in national dress is accompanied by a traditional Indian drummer.  The melody is haunting.  As the other musicians start to play – 2 guitars, a violin, Spanish Percussion, she stands and walks to the front of the stage, where she picks up a small pot.  She scoops a handful of sand and slowly lets it trickles to the floor as she walks from left to right, exiting through the wings.

This sets the stage for a passionate performance from all members of the cast of this fine show.  At times, there was quite a voyeuristic feel, as the dancers and musicians very obviously encouraged and inspired each other.  The live music was absolutely outstanding – the acoustic feel made it seem such an intimate show. 

The Flamenco Costumes were beautiful, and the dancers were wonderful, whether they were dancing by themselves, backed by the musicians, or in a group of 2 or 3.

After a short intermission, the feel changed – we are transported to a tavern – there is a table, and chairs.  Once again, the audience is drawn in – we feel that we too, are sitting around the tables, in the tavern, watching friends.  The music is more up tempo, the singing is passionate and the flamenco fast and whirling.  We get the feel that the artists forget the audience is even there – they are pirouetting and posing for each other.

The highlight for me was La Chica (Francesca Grima) performing Cantinas – her amazing white dress swirled and twisted in time to the music, and her shawl twisted over and around her supple arms and torso.  This truly was an intimate display of artistry. As one, the audience erupted in cheers and “Ole!”, and a standing ovation.

The finale was impressive, with once again all performers being on stage.  The dancing and music was again fantastic – once again, no set.  Simplistic, but powerful.

Gypsy Pathways is playing at the Playhouse Theatre, QPAC.