The House is a somber flamenco drama set in a Pernakan household and performed by a talented group of local and foreign musicians, and dancers. I could think of no better way to describe this dance drama adaptation of “The House of Bernarda Alba” by Garcia Lorca.
I am very grateful that I managed catch this production tonight at the SOTA Drama Theatre. Rick Smith spoke very highly of the production and I was keen to watch it, but nearly had to miss it over due to a scheduling conflict. When my schedule cleared suddenly, I literally rushed down to the nearest SISTIC outlet during my lunch break to snap up a ticket.
Coincidentally, the performance I attended was in support of the Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund, and my ticket carried a $30 premium. Since it’s for a good cause and I try to support the arts whenever I can, I was more than happy to pay the difference. I’m glad I did because it was an enjoyable flamenco drama.
“The House” is a story about the matriarch Bernarda Neo and her grip over her five daughters – of the drama behind inherited wealth that unleashed a series of events that ends with the youngest daughter Adela’s suicide.
In a bid to localize this drama, Flamenco Sin Fronteras, a local non- profit Flamenco dance theatre company under the artistic direction of Flamenco Maestro Antonio Vargas, drew parallels to the Peranakan hierarchal structure of the domineering matriarch and secrets hidden in the name of family.
There is plenty of flamenco music and dance with a touch of drama added for good measure. It should be mentioned that this drama contains mature themes and strong language so I would not recommend this to families with young children. This is not the introductory flamenco production you want to expose your children to.
“The House” was written by award-winning playwright Joel Tan and features original musical composition by artists that include Spanish Flamenco guitarist Jorge Padilla, Rick Smith, Carlos Sendros (guitar), Yong Kailin (violin), Mario lopez (bass), Pablo calzado (percussion) and Satsuki Nagatome (voice) with an original musical arrangement blending eastern and western cultures.
Fans and neophytes to the world of flamenco will be equally charmed by this performance.
I highly recommend that you catch it while you still can. The final performance is tomorrow tonight, 24 March 7pm. Tickets available on SISTIC.
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