The festival opens with ¡VIVA!, Manuel Liñan’s vibrant expression of being yourself that challenges the defined roles of male and female forms in flamenco. The show is frank and joyous celebration of gay identity, a refreshing contrast to traditional representations of masculinity in flamenco. Further pushing the boundaries of what flamenco can be, Without Permission, Songs for Silence comes from emerging talent Ana Morales, who blends the traditional with the avant-garde. Without Permission, Songs for Silence, looks at memory, delving into the delicate recollections of the artist’s father, his connection to Andalusia and to flamenco, and her own journey to understanding art and its connection to life.
Festival favourites María Pagés and Jesús Carmona will both return with UK premieres. Compañía María Pagés Ode To Time is a journey of reflection, an allegory of the time we live in filled with infinite possibilities. Her powerful, emotive gestures and ferocious footwork combine to create a performance that is theatrical and passionate, whilst also reflective. Accompanied by eight dancers and a delicate original score, An Ode to Time looks at darkness and light, the chance of happiness in uncertain times and the nature of time itself. The aptly dubbed ‘Catalan virtuoso’, Jesús Carmona’s The Jump displays his signature elegant, powerful choreography. The former principal of the Ballet Nacional de España is trained in multiple genres, from flamenco, ballet and tap, to 17th century Italian court dances.The Jump explores art’s ability to affect personal growth, as Carmona looks at his own journey around masculinity in the 21st century.
Meanwhile, the ever popular Gala Flamenca celebrates the three stages of ‘The Woman’, past, present and future. A true, traditional flamenco treat by Compañía María del Mar Moreno, Gala Flamenca features the talents of long-time flamenco dancer La Moneta, and from arguably the most famous Sevillian dynasty in the world of flamenco dancing, Pastora Galván, as well as treasured flamenco vocalist, Tía Juana La del Pipa. Mujeres de CAL y CANTE marks the meeting place of multiple generations of women in an authentic flamenco celebration.
In a flamenco show which transcends genres, El Yiyo explores new sounds, expression without limits and a world of fantasy. Joined by a troupe of artists to accompany him, El Yiyo brings his charisma, authenticity and explosivity to create contemporary flamenco with no limits. Boreal is the first full length choreography from Daniel Ramos and Víctor Martín, drawing on all elements of traditional Spanish dance at its highest technical, choreographic and artistic level. Former dancers of Ballet Nacional del España, Ramos and Martín display the artistic richness and the technical complexity of Spain’s most traditional dance.
In a showcase of elegance and energy, join award-winning flamenco dancer, Paula Comitre, in this culmination of a week-long artistic residency at Sadler’s Wells.Awarded Best Emerging Artist in 2020 at both the Festival de Jerez and Bienal de Flamenco deSevilla, Paula Comitre is one of the greatest talents of the contemporary flamenco world.
The concerts bring back two hugely popular flamenco musicians to the Sadler’s Wells stage, five-time Latin Grammy Award-winner Tomatito, leading light in the nuevo Flamenco fusion movement which emerged in the 1970s, and Estrella Morente, heiress to one of Spain’s greatest singing dynasties, known to audience for Volver, the soundtrack to the Almodovar film of the same name. The two final music events which close the festival turn the art form on its head: Tercer Cielo (Third Heaven) is the new project by flamenco singer Rocío Márquez, who is joined by urban and electronic music producer Bronquio, and Flamenco is Not a Crime brings a flamenco and dance music party to the Lilian Baylis Studio. DJs Pedro and Benito Jimenez blend grime, gqom, dub, and reggaeton with projections inspired by the Free Party Is Not A Crime movement.
Sadler’s Wells Artistic Director Alistair Spalding said “I’m delighted to welcome Flamenco Festival back to Sadler’s Wells this summer with a fantastic range of contemporary and more traditional flamenco performances. The festival makes a triumphant return for the first time since 2019, with the most shows ever! It offers something for flamenco aficionados and newcomers alike.”
Listings information (IF NECESSARY)
Sadler’s Wells Theatre and Lilian Baylis Studio, Rosebury Avenue, London, EC1R 4TB
21 June – 2 July
www.sadlerswells.com | 020 7863 8000
¡VIVA!
Manuel Liñan 21- 22 June, 7.30pm | Sadler’s Wells
Innovative choreographer, director and multi-award winning flamenco dancer,Manuel Liñan, returns to Sadler’s Wells with ¡VIVA!, a show that celebrates the vivacious essence of the artform itself, blending speed and technical brilliance with comedy and delicacy.
Challenging the defined roles of male and female forms in flamenco, Liñan seeks to present his own vibrant, joyful and exuberant flamenco that celebrates expression, freedom and being yourself.
Approx 1hr 40 (no interval) | From £15
Without Permission, Songs for Silence
Compañía Ana Morales 23 June, 7.30pm | Sadler’s Wells
Emerging talent Ana Morales blends the traditional with the avant-garde in the innovative and emotive, Without Permission, Songs for Silence. In a blend of styles and dance forms, demonstrations of synchronicity and experimentation, of celebration and reflection, this contemporary flamenco artist represents the bright future of flamenco dance.
Without Permission, Songs for Silence, looks at memory, delving into the delicate recollections of the artist’s father, his connection to Andalusia and to flamenco, and her own journey to understanding art and its connection to life.
From £20
Boreal
En Compañía: Daniel Ramos & Víctor Martín 23 June, 8pm | Lilian Baylis
Boreal is the first full length choreography from Daniel Ramos and Víctor Martín, drawing on all elements of traditional Spanish dance at its highest technical, choreographic and artistic level. Expect plenty of fans, shawls and castañets.
Former dancers of Ballet Nacional del España, Ramos and Martín display the artistic richness and the technical complexity of Spain’s most traditional dance. Directed by noted flamenco dancer Manuel Liñan and featuring original music by Victor Guadiana and David Durán.
Approx 1hr 10 mins (no interval) | From £20
Gala Fiesta de la Bulería de Jerez
Mujeres de CAL y CANTE, Dirección Maria del Moreno
24 June 7.30pm, 25 June 3.30pm & 7.30pm | Sadler’s Wells
A true, traditional flamenco treat by Compañía María del Mar Moreno, Gala Flamenca features the talents of long-time flamenco dancer La Moneta, and from arguably the most famous Sevillian dynasty in the world of flamenco dancing, Pastora Galván, as well as treasured flamenco vocalist, Tía Juana La del Pipa.
Mujeres de CAL y CANTE marks the meeting place of multiple generations of women in an authentic flamenco celebration. Presenting flamenco in its purest form, these female artists, led by the fantastic Compañía María del Mar Moreno with Moreno herself as lead dancer, combine their wisdom, experiences and expression in a celebration on the three stages of ‘The Woman’, past, present and future.
Approx 1hr 30mins (no interval) | From £15
Estrella Morente 26 June, 7.30pm | Sadler’s Wells
Heiress to one of Spain’s greatest singing dynasties, Estrella Morente represents a passionate new voice in flamenco, applying a fresh new take on the Andalusian tradition. She is joined on stage by another notable flamenco legacy, Enrique Morente Carbonell, whose youthful influence on modern flamenco brings with it a unique collaboration.
With an emotive, powerful vocal that transcends experience and performance, Estrella Morente presents a curated collection of festive songs from her childhood, to exploring the depths of love and loss. She seeks to represent women past, present and future through her voice, delving into the complexities of human emotion.
From £15
The Jump
Compañía Jesús Carmona 28-29 June, 7.30pm | Sadler’s Wells
The aptly dubbed ‘Catalan virtuoso’, Jesús Carmona, returns to Sadler’s Wells with his signature elegant, powerful choreography in tow. The former principal of the Ballet Nacional de España is trained in multiple genres, from flamenco, ballet and tap, to 17th century Italian court dances – expect a show that crosses genres and styles, pushing the boundaries of flamenco in this brand-new piece.
The Jump explores art’s ability to affect personal growth, as Carmona looks at his own journey around masculinity in the 21st century.
Approx 1hr 20mins (no interval) | From £15
Tomatito – In Concert 30 June, 7.30pm | Sadler’s Wells
Five-time Latin Grammy Award-winner, Tomatito is recognised as one of the leading guitarists in contemporary flamenco. Appearing as part of the festival with an ensemble of exceptional musicians and a guest flamenco dancer, the long-time musical partner of the transcendent Camarón de la Isla brings an adventurous and open-minded fusion of Jazz, classical and Latin American styles.
Approx 1hr 20 mins | From £15
An Ode to Time
Compañía María Pagés 1 – 2 July, 7.30pm | Sadler’s Wells
Searching for meaning in the art of flamenco, María Pagés beautifully blends art and life in her in-depth explorations of the genre itself. An Ode to Time is a journey of reflection, an allegory of the time we live in filled with infinite possibilities. Her powerful, emotive gestures and ferocious footwork combine to create a performance that is theatrical and passionate, whilst also reflective.
Accompanied by eight dancers and a delicate original score, An Ode to Time looks at darkness and light, the chance of happiness in uncertain times and the nature of time itself. Working with her long-time collaborator El Arbi El Harti, Pagés’s swift and incisive choreography draws from a variety of flamenco styles and inspirations.
From £15
El Yiyo
El Yiyo su troupe 1 July, 8pm | Lilian Baylis
In a flamenco show which transcends genres, El Yiyo explores new sounds, expression without limits and a world of fantasy. Joined by a troupe of artists to accompany him, El Yiyo brings his charisma, authenticity and explosivity to create contemporary flamenco with no limits.
El Yiyo grew up in Spain’s Roma community, but it was watching Michael Jackson online, he says, that taught him to dance. Despite his youth, he has already performed as main attraction in more than 20 national and international festivals, and he has shared the stage with many of the greatest contemporary flamenco dancers.
From £20
Paula Comitre Residency 1 July | Lilian Baylis
In a showcase of elegance and energy, join award-winning flamenco dancer, Paula Comitre, in this culmination of a week-long artistic residency at Sadler’s Wells.
Awarded Best Emerging Artist in 2020 at both the Festival de Jerez and Bienal de Flamenco deSevilla, Paula Comitre is one of the greatest talents of the contemporary flamenco world.
1hr | From £12
Third Heaven, Tercer Cielo
Rocío Márquez and Bronquio 2 July, 7pm | Lilian Baylis
Tercer Cielo (Third Heaven) is the new project by flamenco singer Rocío Márquez, who is joined by urban and electronic music producer Bronquio.
The work is the result of a profound creative process in which both artists have allowed themselves to explore the intermediate zone between the known – tradition – and the unknown – creation.
The common language they find moves beyond the confines of musical genres and is projected with a contemporary scenic view. Tercer Cielo explores and expands our understanding 21st century flamenco.
1hr 10mins | From £20
Flamenco is not a crime
Los Volubles 2 July, 9.30pm | Lilian Baylis
Los Voluble brings a flamenco and dance music party to the Lilian Baylis Studio, in a final celebration of the Flamenco Festival 2022. Join DJs Pedro and Benito Jimenez on the dancefloor as they blend grime, gqom, dub, and reggaeton with projections inspired by the Free Party Is Not A Crime movement.