reviews

07 August 2005   

CRITIC'S CHOICE

At the other end of the scale is Fringe regular Ricardo Garcia with new show, FLAMENCO con FUSION, and there's not a sequin in sight. This is Flamenco without frills and flounces and even by Garcia's ascetic standards it is spare. In previous years Garcia and his highly skilled La Familia Flamenca have given us raw, free-flowing performances. This heavily-stylised show is a departure, and a stunning one at that. This year the extended "Familia Flamenca" has stayed at home, leaving just Garcia, his guitar and a single Flamenco dancer to hold the fort.
The intention is to illustrate the ways Flamenco is developing by absorbing other contemporary forms. Hence we have Garcia on guitar; his statuesque "flamenca"; a break dancer; and a drummer on middle eastern tablas. Apart from the performers the stage is virtually bare; lighting minimal.The result is a fascinating and complex musical conversation between different forms. More fusion than "con fusion", it's a gem for afficionados of the dance.

ELLIE CARR (Fringe Dance)