Carmen pours it on

(China Daily)
Updated: 2009-11-28 10:44

It's time for Carmen and the flamenco once again! But this weekend at Poly Theater, the new show by Ballet Teatres Generalitat from Valencia, Spain, offers something new and also features Cristina Hoyos, arguably Spain's most renowned flamenco dancer.

The choreographer, Ramon Oller, first created the dance in 2003 and revived it for the Ballet Teatres Generalitat early this month. There is not just flamenco, but also ballet and modern dance. There is also heavy rain in the final scene. And Carmen will not die from Don Jose's dagger but is stifled by him beside a pool of water. Some 800 liters of water will be used on stage.

"The rain will dramatize Carmen's death and appear to purify her soul in the water," says Oller.

"I've been always fascinated by the story of Carmen and have created a few productions. I would like to redo it occasionally and find something different every time. This time, I feel happy to have Hoyos dancing in the production. She is my longtime friend and gives me much inspiration," adds Oller.

Born in Seville in 1946, Hoyos, dubbed "Andalucian Priestess of Flamenco", has left an undeniable imprint on the world of flamenco. Her dance is traditional "baile flamenco" interspersed with some modern elements.

She was trained in the "tablaos" of Seville. Her artistic break came when she was noticed by Antonio Gades and joined his flamenco dance company. In 1992, she performed solo at the opening and closing ceremonies of the Barcelona Olympics.

After performing in Beijing, the company will tour five other cities until Dec 8.

7:30 pm, Nov 28, 29. 14 Dongzhimen Nedajie. 6506-5345/5343, 6500-1188 ext 5126. 保利剧院，东直门南大街14号