“La Argentina” returns to the stage

When one thinks of women who transformed the history of dance in the first decades of the 20th century, one should not forget Antonia Mercé “La Argentina”. She died at the age of 45 on such the fateful date of July 18, 1936 (the beginning of the Spanish Civil War) yet she lived long enough to leave a lasting and unforgettable mark. At the time of her death, the poet García Lorca included her name in a select group who “create a unique art which disappears with each one and which no-one else can imitate”. With no desire to correct the poet, the memory of “La Argentina” has extended beyond her overwhelming stage presence. The universal artist who erased boundaries is very much alive 90 years later.

Two of her legendary choreographies show this: El Contrabandista and Sonatina amazed the audience in Paris with Les Ballets Espagnols under Antonia Mercé in 1928. An extraordinary combination of tradition and avant-garde which Antonio Najarro, former Director of the National Ballet of Spain brings back to life based on the original costumes and scenography; more than a reconstruction it is an updated evocation. The inspired and inspiring music of Albéniz, Granados, Malats or Julián Bautista are a testimony of the impact of an artist on the culture of her times. A joyous reunion.
 

Prólogo (Prologue)
Music: Enrique Granados

1. JUERGA (Revelry)
Ballet-pantomime in one scene, op. 4
Music: Julián Bautista, based on a story by Tomás Borrás

2. SUITES DE DANZAS (A Suite of dances)
Music: Enrique Granados, Joaquim Malats, Joaquín Larregla, Isaac Albéniz, Jacinto Guerrero and Manuel Infante

3. TRIANA. Fantasía coreográfica sevillana (Triana. Fantasia of Sevillian choreography)
Music: Isaac Albéniz with a libretto by Enrique Fernández Arbós