The Pittsburgh Playhouse Presents (PP) brings a variety of internationally renowned dance and music performances to Pittsburgh. Managing Director, Kiersha Lalama, explains that, “Pittsburgh Playhouse remains steadfast to transform lives through art that captives, enriches, enlightens and entertains.” Noche Flamenca, the first show in the Playhouse Presents series, does just that. The show has the pulse of traditional Spanish flamenco dance, adds a modern twist and explodes with passion.
Refection
When I think of flamenco dance, I invasion a tall handsome
man wearing fitted black pants staring into the eyes of a women in a red ruffled
dress as they both rapid fire their feet. This company gave us that and so much more.
The first half was a dance inspired by the paintings of Francsico de Goya, a Spanish artiest that used art to send a message about the political
injustices in 18th and 19th century Spain. Two men and
two women told a story. They opened with claps, then taps on desks, and finally rhythms
generated by their staccato steps. The rhythms alone were spellbinding then add
in the expressions, the guitar, rhythm box and singer, and you are engaged in something
so different. It's a show that transports you to Spain and dancing that radiates passion on steroids.
The song, although I understood none of the Spanish, was intriguing with what seemed to be a Middle Eastern influence. The second half included some traditional flamenco together with the percussion of castanets.
La Puerta Luminsoa (Two People Looking into a Luminous Room) by Soledad Barrio contained relentless speedy foot tapping as her arms softly moved with the grace of a ballet. Her passion reached deep into her soul and to me, she hit the pinnacle of this dance form.
(For more on Noche Flamenca go to soledadbarrioandnocheflamenca.com or see the tour schedule).
I will definitely keep this series in my toolbox for finding new experiences.The Pittsburgh Playhouse Presents is another place to explore international talent in Pittsburgh. The playhouse with it's three theaters is an intimate beautiful venue and the shows will not break your piggy bank. For more about the series and upcoming shows visit Playhouse Presents.
Other sources
https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/goya/hd_goya.htm
https://playhouse.pointpark.edu/shows-events/playhouse-presents/index
