A SPANISH MUSICAL EXPERIENCE WITH ALEJANDRO POSTIGO

By Emma Carney | Bunny Pudding · Digital Coven · @bunnyscopes | Press Invite

Copla is a masterful and captivating show that introduces the often-overlooked Spanish art form of copla to a UK audience, blending history, politics, and identity into a heartfelt performance. Presented by the talented and engaging Alejandro Postigo, the show celebrates Spain’s queer and migrant experiences through traditional copla songs, evoking laughter, tears, and a deeper appreciation for this unique genre.

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I walked into the theatre with its huge screen and a band performing in the background. I was expecting a sort of Cabaret performance but what I got instantly was much more meaningful and something that will stick with me for a long time. Ladies, gentlemen, and thems, I was taken to school again and I LOVED IT. 

Alejandro Postigo, as both writer and performer, shines on stage. His portrayal of La Gitana, his flamboyant alter ego, invites the audience into the complex history of copla, an art form that has been essential to Spain’s cultural and political identity. Originally used as a tool against repression during Franco’s dictatorship and later embraced by LGBTQ communities, copla gives a voice to marginalised stories, and Postigo brings these stories to life with authenticity and flair. His talent and passion are undeniable, and his ability to make the audience part of the experience is one of the show’s greatest strengths. Audience members feel welcomed into the dialogue, bridging the gap between performer and viewer in a way that’s both moving and immersive. I really enjoyed the segment about censorship which highlighted not only what the performers were against during those trying times but also helped the audience understand how the politics of the time impacted the thinking of the people living through them. 

The show’s live music, with Jack Elsdon on piano with fabulous vocals and Violeta Valladares on violin and singing (truly a beautiful voice!), adds an emotive layer to Postigo’s powerful performance, beautifully complementing his voice and enhancing the drama of each song. The minimalist yet effective design by Ricardo Ferreira and direction by Sergio Maggiolo ensure the spotlight remains on Postigo’s storytelling. Together, they deliver an unforgettable hour of theater that truly transports the audience to a world of cultural significance, identity, and resilience. 

Another key component of Copla is the inclusion of real life people who have impacted Postigos life and Copla, including his Grandmother, whose section of the show was truly heart warming and I’d happily sit through an entire documentary of her just talking about her life. 

The accessibility features are also thoughtfully incorporated, with English subtitles for Spanish content, making it enjoyable and comprehensible for all. Postigo’s engaging audience interaction and candid storytelling make Copla a perfect introduction for anyone unfamiliar with the genre.

Thanks to this production, I am now a devoted fan of copla—a genre I hardly knew before. This show not only entertained but also educated and enriched my understanding of the cultural depth and resilience within Spanish history. Copla is an experience I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone interested in queer history, international theater, or simply a powerful, unique performance. I was truly moved, darlings!

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CAST AND CREATIVES

Written & Performed by: Alejandro Postigo

Piano: Jack Elsdon

Violin: Violeta Valladares

Director: Sergio Maggiolo

Design: Ricardo Ferreira