SPAIN IN the Middle Ages was Europe’s most advanced society, a cultural melting pot, and the crossroads of great civilisations.
The worlds of Islam, Judaism, and Christianity intersected to form a society marked by advances in architecture, sanitation, philosophy, and science. From this era also came flamenco, a passionate and thrilling fusion of Muslim, Jewish, African, and Iberian styles of dance and music.
Galway audiences will be able to enjoy the sight and sound of flamenco music and dance when flamenco company Al Andar presents its new show Esencias in the Town Hall Theatre on Friday June 11 at 8pm.
Esencias will be performed in collaboration with renowned Spanish troupe Alma Flamenca, and will feature dancer/choreographer team Fatima Lucia and Felipe de Algeciras, singer Olayo Jimenez, and guitarist Pedro Viscomi.
A special feature of this tour is the inclusion of Felipe de Algeciras. Felipe is a national figure amongst male Flamenco dancers in Spain. His powerful footwork can be heard throughout the movie The Mask of Zorro starring Antonio Banderas. He also choreographed the film Dot the I (El punto sobre la i ) with Gael Garcia Bernal.
Fatima Lucia is originally from Cadiz. She has been teaching flamenco dance in Galway since 1993 when she settled in Ireland. As Al-Andar, Fatima has toured Ireland on several occasions along with various flamenco musicians and dancers visiting from Spain. She has also performed with Sean Keane, Arty McGlynn, Martin O'Connor and the Cunningham Family.
Tickets are available from the Town Hall on 091 - 569777.
