FLAMENCO AND DRAG? I’M IN!

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

When I first saw the Poster at the Peacock Theatre, I KNEW I had to review this show. Flamenco and drag? I’m in. ¡VIVA! by Manuel Liñán is a stunning, boundary-breaking celebration of identity and the power of flamenco. The electrifying performance redefined  gender norms within the art form, blending tradition with modernity and a bit of rainbow sparkle in a captivating exploration of freedom and self-expression. With breath-taking precision, the male dancers perform the female dance steps and don traditionally female costumes, showcasing the fluidity of gender and expression in a way that feels both revolutionary and intimate. I found myself understanding Flamenco and the athletes that the dancers are in a way that I hadn’t previously – flamenco dancers make hard work look easy put it that way.

Liñán’s vision is bold yet joyous, presenting flamenco as a living, evolving art form that embraces the dual masculine/female energy that the artform has and spinning it on its heels.. The energy and passion that radiated from the six bailaores-bailarines as they moved through complex choreographies was mesmerising. There were certainly some party tricks pulled out which made the audience gasp and OLE! In appreciation. Each dancer brought a unique presence, creating a rich tapestry of emotional depth and technical brilliance. There were also comedic moments which were truly gleeful. The emotional ending where the male and female aspects of flamenco were brought together was deeply moving. It’s certainly a show that all appreciators of the artform must see and makes you really think about Flamenco on a much deeper level. I am still pondering some parts of it, especially the dress sequence at the end – oof, that touched me in the feels for sure.

The artistic direction, choreography, and overall production we’re impeccable. Liñán’s mastery of flamenco is evident in every movement, and the contributions of his talented team—musicians, designers, and technical staff—elevate the experience to another level. The music, a driving force throughout, complements the dance beautifully, enhancing the emotional landscape of the performance. The singer, oh my goodness, I love how the dancing and music comes together at these performances…truly what a voices David Carpio and Antonio Campos have!

¡VIVA! is sung in Spanish but I that wasn’t a barrier and I was able to understand everything being presented on stage. ¡VIVA! is not only a testament to Manuel Liñán’s exceptional talent as a dancer and choreographer, but also to his courageous ability to challenge and expand the conventions of flamenco. It was a joyful, liberating performance that invites audiences to reflect on the many expressions of identity that exist within us all. A must-see for anyone who loves dance, culture, and the power of artistic transformation. I once again found myself wanting to don a dress myself and dance a few steps!

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Photo Credit: Marcos G Punto