ALHAMBRA
Premiere: April 2009

Alhambra recounts Spain's history through the story of Boabdil, last Sultan of Granada during the rule of Queen Isabella. Opening to the colour and splendour of the Alhambra's Moorish court with oriental-influenced dances, the work later moves to the Spanish court, featuring traditional Spanish and flamenco dance. Drawing on elements of Spanish and Moorish cultures of the time results in an exotic fusion evoking the last days of Muslim rule in Spain.

PICASSO
Premiere: March 2008

Picasso pays tribute to the complex life and work of Spain’s noted artist. Dancers portray his early Blue and Rose Periods, then move on to the enigmatic Cubist and Surreal Periods that later became his trademark. The cante jondo of a Siguiriyas provides an appropriate flamenco interpretation of his masterpiece Guernica. The women in his life, most of whom were artists or painters and who figured prominently in his work, are intertwined throughout the production, which celebrates Picasso's significance to the culture and artistic heritage of Spain and the world.

BLOOD WEDDING
Premiere: July 2007
Program Notes

Based on a true story of betrayal and tragedy, Blood Wedding tells of a bride who abandons her groom on their wedding night, running away with her lover. This flamenco production evokes the poetry and surrealism of Garcia Lorca's play on which it is based. Sultry guitar music intertwines with percussive footwork to bring the passionate story to the stage.

"Fiercely strummed guitar, gutsy singinging, rhythmic clapping...stirring, passionately danced."
Four-star review, Winnipeg Fringe Festival (Winnipeg Free Press, July 23, 2007)

"An eye-catching spectacle...you'll be impressed by the costumes, musicianship and fleet-footed flamenco steps..."
Four-star review, Winnipeg Fringe Festival (Winnipeg Sun, July 25, 2007)

SUITE ESPAGNOLE
Premiere: March 2007

Suite Espagnole presents classical Spanish dance through original choreography, accompanied by the music of noted Spanish composer Isaac Albeniz. From the dramatic and rhythmic Asturias to the moody, evocative Granada, these dances span the moods of Spain as they move through its geography with Cadiz, Cataluna, Cordoba, and Castilla. Ending with the joyous Sevilla, the suite celebrates the rich heritage of Spain.

GOYA TO LORCA
Premiere: March 2006

Goya to Lorca celebrates the art of Francisco de Goya and the poetry of Federico Garcia Lorca. Flamenco and bolero school dances are interspersed with writings of Lorca, a noted poet and dramatist whose work focused on typical Spanish themes, such as the passion of flamenco and the bullfight. Goya's paintings are represented by tableaux re-enacting scenes from some of his famous works. These scenes were inspired by Madrid's Festival de San Isidro, where outdoor performances include similar recreations honouring Spain's artistic heritage.

SPARTACUS
Premiere: March 2005

Set in 73 B.C. Rome, the story of Spartacus opens with his capture, followed by enforced combat in which he unknowingly kills a fellow slave. He initiates a revolt leading to the capture of his rival Crassus, but Spartacus spares his life. The fight for freedom continues with the help of Spartacus' countrymen, depicted with flamenco footwork. The music of Khachaturian includes Spanish themes, and the production reflects this element through its choreography. Dancers from Spain are introduced into a scene of revelry as the entertainment. The BDT version of Spartacus features six dancers in bata de cola.

THE HOUSE OF BERNARDA ALBA
Premiere: June 1998

The House of Bernarda Alba is based on the last play of Spanish playwright, poet, musician, and painter Federico Garcia Lorca. The production opens with tyrannical matriarch Bernarda Alba, returning from the funeral of her husband with her five daughters. A suitor, Pepe el Romano, pursues the eldest for her inheritance, while wooing the youngest. The middle daughter, also in love with Pepe, reveals the duplicity. Lorca's rich symbolism and religious imagery have been skilfully translated into Spanish dance form, accompanied by the music of Manual de Falla and Francisco Tarrega. The rebellion of the youngest daughter is emphasized by her green bata la cola, a dress with a long train that is incorporated into her dance. The intensity of the flamenco form is particularly suited to the dramatic tensions developed between characters. The set, designed by Winnipeg artist Alfredo Coreas, draws strongly on the influences of Salvador Dali, a close friend of Garcia Lorca.

"Fiery, foot-stamping flamenco style....The storytelling is vivid."
Four-star review, Winnipeg Fringe Festival (Winnipeg Free Press, July 27, 2005)

CARMEN
Premiere: February 2003

This original version of Carmen retells the dramatic story of a soldier and a bullfighter, both in love with the untamed Carmen. Encompassing Spanish dance and ballet, the production is accompanied by the music of Bizet as arranged by Shchedrin. Don Jose, a soldier, falls in love with the gypsy girl Carmen, and deserts his post. The unfaithful Carmen is soon swept away by the bullfighter Escamillo. Don Jose pleads with her to forget his rival. Carmen turns to the cards to read her fortune and forsees her death. Set against the cheering crowd at a bullfight, she rejects Don Jose. Enraged, he stabs Carmen as the crowd cheers Escamillo's victory.