The Summer of 2022 in London is really hot! And by this I mean it has really cool shows (forgive my pun!) across hundreds of venues. The city is filled with superb stars not only at BST Hyde Park music festival, but also in all theatres across the Capital.
After a three-year wait, the much anticipated Flamenco Festival at Sadler’s Wells celebrates rising stars and Flamenco legends. Featuring some of the biggest names in the art form, a unique opportunity to see world-class international artists in London. With something for everyone whether you like your Flamenco classical, contemporary or with an experimental twist.
Emerging talent Ana Morales blew me away last night. She blended traditional flamenco with the avant-garde in her innovative and emotive, Without Permission, Songs for Silence. In a mix of styles and dance forms, demonstrations of synchronicity and experimentation, of celebration and reflection, this contemporary flamenco artist represents the bright future of flamenco dance.
Ana Morales in a dusty pink, floor-length ruffled dress bends backwards, head towards the floor, her eyes closed, one fist slightly raised. The bearded guitarist in a blue suit sits on a chair further back in warm evening light. They were incredible last night.
Without Permission, Songs for Silence, looks at memory, delving into the delicate recollections of the artist’s father, his connection to Andalusia and to flamenco, and her own journey to understanding art and its connection to life.
For 12 days (21 June 21 to 2 July 2022), you can witness the best of contemporary flamenco, mixed with classical traditions and nuevo flamenco. Representing the avant-garde at the festival will be Manuel Liñan, who has long been admired for challenging gender stereotypes through his proficiency with the colourful costumes traditionally worn by bailaoras, particularly the bata de cola and mantón.