Director: Jude Kelly
Choreographer: Fernando Romero
Solera, the title of Peña’s latest production, is a specific process used for the aging of Andalucian fortified wines. In the Solera process, newer wines are blended with aged ones to produce, over time, a sherry that is a perfect blend of the old and new.
Similarly, Andalucía’s other great export, Flamenco, is traditionally passed from old to young, handed down from generation to generation. It is no surprise then, to see Peña, nearing his 80th year, turning to the process of inter-generational merging as the focal point of this show.
Solera, the show, is rooted in the bringing together the skills and talent of the older and younger generations. The Flamenco tradition powerfully blends music, song and dance, and here each part is represented by both the old and new. Helmed by the maestro, guitarist Peña is paired with younger guitarist Dani de Morón. Angel Muñoz as the elder dancer performs alongside Adriana Bilbao and Gabriel Matías, and Inmaculada Rivero sings alongside the younger Iván Carpio. All are supported by percussionist Julio Alcocer and guitarist, Rafael Montilla.
The production is devised in two clear acts. Act 1 is set up as an informal rehearsal and Act 2 is the structured performance. This device works remarkably well in both showcasing the process of both generations learning from one another, but also, for the uninitiated, gives a gentle and more relaxed introduction to Flamenco.
The opening is a joyous, jam-session styled engagement. Alcocer is setting up his percussion set, loosely creating a rhythm that Peña picks up on his guitar, which, in turn gets Matías playing around with some fluid dance moves. From this, each member of the ensemble picks up unseen cues to express themselves through their core talent.
What becomes clear in Act 1 is the difference in style and approach between the generations. The younger performers are more fluid and relaxed whereas the older generations seem more precise in their output. Years of experience have taught them what works for them, and they seem to revel in the joy of sharing their skills but also seeing at how the next generation are tweaking and interpreting it. Solera really is a showcase of how the combining of youthful exuberance and matured skills delivers a new and more powerful result.
Act 2 brings that informal, semi-improvised rehearsal into a structured performance. Whilst the blend of generations is still explored, the visual tone is significantly modern. The lighting, staging and costume are all 21st century. The dancing is anchored in Flamenco traditions but the clichéd grandstanding is replaced with a softer and more sultry form of expression.
Securing all of this is the music. The ensemble performs beautifully but it is Peña who shines. If there was ever an example of why generations should mix, this is it. At almost double the age of his collaborators, he leaves them in the shade. This is not a show about proving if one is better than the other. Quite the opposite, in fact. Solera is about how the skills, experience, and passion from one person can help shape and influence the same in another. It’s how their mutual respect and enjoyment in each other’s talents creates something new that belongs to them all equally. Yet, despite this, Peña somehow manages to shine above the others.
Solera is a wonderful introduction to Flamenco for newcomers whilst also being presented in a way to keep even the most ardent fans engaged and excited. It is a show full of exceptional individual performances, but these are delivered in a way that enhances the collaborative whole. Each performer delivers their best, not to outdo the other but rather to encourage them to do as well.
Solera not only celebrates the beauty and passion of Flamenco, it provides a clear reminder that open and engaged collaboration, irrespective of age, will always make things better. And that’s a message we all need to hear every now and then.
Runs until 24 April 2022
