Soledad Barrio: Caught between two lovers

photos of Soledad Barrio

La Dama del Mar is the world-class jewel in the crown that is El Mar, Noche Flamenca's currrent touring production. Presented at Theatre 80 Saint Marks, the two-hour program delivers the stripped-to-essentials, traditional flamenco music, song and dance that this Spanish company, under the direction of Martin Santangelo, has taught smart New Yorkers to expect and crave. But La Dama del Mar introduces something new from Noche Flamenca--dance theater that expresses a powerful narrative, modernizes the movement, and requires some sustained physical acting from its star, the electrifying Soledad Barrio.

La Dama del Mar offers a spare impression of Henrik Ibsen's The Lady from the Sea, offsetting the surprising subtlety and range of Barrio's dramatic abilities. There's no need for dialogue or the support of extensive program notes. Barrio's mercurial glances and expressions, her supple body language, the fresh responsiveness of her interaction with rival partners Antonio Jimenez "El Chupete" and Alejandro Granados--both excellent, heartful performers--are quite enough to tell this story of conflicting desires and hunger for freedom. This role is a profound revelation; Barrio exceeds her own sky-high standards.

Fans of the troupe--and we are legion--will find fresh joy in the familiar conventions of flamenco, particularly the delectable work of cantaors Emilio Florido and Manuel Gago and guitarristas Jose Valle "Chuscales" and Salva de Maria. And it's wonderful to meet new company members like Sol La Argentinita and Rebecca Tomás--who bring spark and spunk to their solo moments--and Jimenez, with his feral appearance and dark, trance-like performances, especially in his Solea por Bulerías. "El Chupete" has got true soul. Watching him, I wondered what a flamenco/tap jam with the late, great Gregory Hines might have looked like!

The Theatre 80 Saint Marks presentation of El Mar runs through August 14 on an irregular schedule. For schedule details and to purchase tickets, visit TheaterMania.com. For further information on the company, visit Noche Flamenca.

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