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A visceral show to be experienced, Yerbabuena's arresting performance is complemented by a team of equally talented individuals.Summary
Rating
Unmissable!
Eva Yerbabuena is a renowned Flamenco dancer with a career spanning several decades, who has performed across the globe and garnered numerous awards. She now graces the London stage to present her 19th show, Yerbagüena. The atmosphere of her new show is one of light emerging from darkness, as she steps onto the stage with a stoic and solemn walk, circling the stage while the performers take their positions, setting an evocative tone for the evening.
The lighting design by Fernando Martin is stunning, transitioning from the dramatic lighting from Goya´s paintings to Caravaggio’s Chiaroscuro to contemporary strokes of color in an ever-present black, adding a dreamlike quality to the performance. The lighting shifts create an evolving atmosphere that complements the emotional intensity of the dance, enhancing the visual and emotional experience for the audience.
The prelude elevates audience expectations for a masterclass in Flamenco, blending traditional art with a contemporary approach. Yerbabuena’s connection to Pina Bausch is evident in the use of evolving repetition to create crescendos of apotheosis. Her presence is transcendent, commanding the stage with outstanding craftsmanship. From micromovements, where even her fingertips express emotion, to powerful rhythmic footwork, she uses her body to convey deep storytelling with both strength and sensitivity. Her performance is a testament to her profound understanding of Flamenco as both an art form and a means of emotional expression.
Flamenco music features various styles, known as “palos” (e.g., fandangos, bulerías, soleá). Paco Jarana’s rich compositions, though not fully detailed here, are full of color and depth, with his guitar mastery shining throughout. The intricate melodies and rhythms of his music provide a dynamic and emotive backdrop for Yerbabuena’s dance, enhancing the overall impact of the performance.
The performers, including Segundo Falcón, Antonio “El Turry,” Miguel Ortega, and Miguel de Gines, narrate through their singing, with Turry’s visceral rendition of “Se nos rompió el amor” by Manuel Alejandro providing a powerful, raw conclusion that leaves the audience with goosebumps. Their soulful “cante jondo” (Flamenco singing) adds layers of emotion and storytelling, enriching the narrative woven by Yerbabuena’s dance.
The costume design is magnificent, inspired by traditional Flamenco dresses but elevated to a contemporary level. Yerbabuena transitions from mermaid gowns to PVC dresses, with one skirt adorned with bells. Each costume is a work of art, enhancing her movements and adding visual interest to the performance. Her artistry seamlessly integrates the intricacies of the costumes, making her movements appear effortless and fluid, despite the complexity of the designs.
This show elevates Flamenco to new heights. Like a Pina Bausch performance, it is an experience to be felt rather than intellectualized. Allow yourself to be transported into a 90-minute journey, not 70 as advertised, where artistry, imagination, passion, and craft create a heartfelt universe that will leave you speechless, even if you don’t speak Spanish. Yerbagüena is a profound exploration of emotion and tradition, brought to life through the unparalleled skill and vision of Eva Yerbabuena and her talented ensemble.
Created by: Eva Yerbabuena
Composition, musical direction, and guitar by: Paco Jarana
Produced by: Manuela Franco
Yerbagüena (Bright Dark) plays at Sadler Well’s Theatre until the 8 June. Further information and bookings can be found here.
