Internationally Renowned Flamenco Troupe Returns to NOLA Beginning 5/26

After touring the globe for the last 15 years to the highest international acclaim, the eight-member troupe Soledad Barrio & Noche Flamenca will traverse the Atlantic from their native Spain to illuminate New Orleans' romantic and historic French Quarter at Le Petit Théâtre du Vieux Carré, revealing a dark, candlelit explosion of song, dance and red hot passion. The troupe has enjoyed resounding success in Australia, Argentina, Mexico, England, Ireland, Scotland, Japan, Canada and the US, and with their pure, authentic brand of flamenco, is proud to present the internationally successful "Alba," several repertory works including "Refugiados," and stirring solos by each dancer. The six-nights-a-week run begins Wednesday, May 26. Nightly performances are at 7 p.m., Wednesday – Saturday, with weekend matinees at 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The extraordinary company, which consists of three dancers, two guitarists and two singers, made their debut performance in New Orleans in December 2006 as the arts and artists were beginning to regain their footing in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.

The company is led by flamenco phenomenon Soledad Barrio -- hailed by Alastair Macaulay of the New York Times as "one of the leading dancers of our time," and celebrated around the world as "the Baryshnikov of Flamenco." Starring by her side will be Barrio's impeccable visceral counterpart, the poet- like Antonio Jimenez, along with the Juan Ogalla, whose pure and rough masculinity seduces through the art of flamenco. All three dancers are pillars in the world of flamenco dance.  Performing live with five of Spain's unparalleled musicians and singers, the troupe will bring the sensual sounds and world of flamenco to its triumphant climax.

Soledad Barrio is one of the most inspirational, transcendental and cathartic contemporary artists in the world. It is a true luxury to be able to witness such an extraordinary artist at the pinnacle of her career. Acclaimed dance critic Tobi Tobias recently wrote after witnessing Ms. Barrio: "In the production I saw, Barrio was the only female dancer in the troupe. Well, what woman could hold a candle to her? In modern dance, Isadora Duncan and Martha Graham. In ballet, maybe Nora Kaye, in her Tudor roles. Certainly no one we can go and see today has Barrio's transformative power." (January 17, 2010.)

The piece "ALBA," choreographed by Martin Santangelo, is inspired by and honors the Abraham Lincoln Brigaders, an international group of men and women who banded together to fight fascism in Spain in the 1930's. These incredible men and women from over 40 different countries gave their lives battling facism in Spain. Just as Flamenco was borne from the struggle for freedom and the shedding of oppression, the members of the brigade transcended themselves to fight for freedom from oppression. With poetry, music and the formidable Soledad Barrio in the center of the political storm, the piece honors the human spirit and soul of flamenco.

"REFUGIADOS" is inspired by refugee literature and poetry of refugee children and the work of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNCHR) in Washington, DC and Madrid, Spain. The UN Refugee Agency works with its partners to protect these innocents - mostly women and children - and to provide them with emergency assistance in the form of water, shelter, emergency food and medical care.

A Quote from the Founder & Director
 "Flamenco is a primal scream, an essential cry to express the joy, sorrow, comedy and tragedy of individuals and groups who are repressed by some form of limitation  - social, economic, spiritual, physical, etc. In an attempt, through singing, playing and dancing, to free the soul from this oppression, we are impelled onto a tough but beautiful road full of miraculous human complexity. Flamenco is our vehicle!"
 ~~ Artistic Director Martín Santangelo.

While in New Orleans, Noche Flamenca will conduct Master Classes for dance students. For more information, on class dates and location, or on the troupe's 2010 season, please visit www.nocheflamenca.com.

Tickets to Noche Flamenca begin at $35 and can be reserved by calling Le Petit's box office at 504-522-2081 or on-line at www.LePetitTheatre.com. Group discounts are available.

Le Petit Théâtre du Vieux Carré, approaching its 95th season, continues its long history as a cultural icon in the New Orleans theatre and performing arts community. A launching place for young talent, a stalwart for local talent and a return stage for those who have gone on to further careers, Le Petit features a full season of traditional and new musical productions. In addition, Le Petit offers concerts, a daily film series and an eclectic mix of other productions on both its Main Stage and in the smaller Muriel's Cabaret Theatre.

Tickets for Le Petit's 95th season can be purchased online at www.LePetitTheatre.com or by calling the box office at 504-522-2081.