Also this issue: Play Time CP’s theater critics take a look at a few current productions. -David Anthony Fox and Toby Zinman Two Worlds Colliding Fine installation links two diverse exhibits at DaVinci Art Alliance. -Robin Rice Asians Misbehavin' -Juliet Fletcher Company B Program -Deni Kasrel Ronald K. Brown/Evidence -Deni Kasrel Some Like It Hot -Steve Cohen Marcel Marceau -Janet Anderson

March 27-April 2, 2003

artpicks

Flamenco Olé!

Flamenco Ole! celebrates its 18th anniversary this weekend at the Painted Bride. Julia Lopez founded Olé! to showcase the traditional dance and music of Southern Spain. Flamenco "is the best known of Spanish music traditions," Lopez observes, "because it is so showy, so passionate, so rich." Two new flamenco works have been commissioned for the occasion from guest artists Martin Gaxiola and Immaculada Ortega. How can flamenco, with its layered performance of foot beats, emphatic arms and undulating voices, not to mention the intense, in fact steamy, intensity of the performers, be choreographed? Lopez points out that "because you create rhythms with your feet, you cannot put a group of people on stage and have everyone do what they want. The beats must come at the same time. Otherwise you’d just be watching a bunch of people going crazy!" Lopez makes it clear that flamenco dancers and musicians must hit their marks as squarely as any other concert dance form. But, Lopez adds, "how the artist interprets the work comes from within." Ah, at last we’re getting to those smoldering glances, angry head tosses and swishing skirts. As for this weekend, if anyone goes crazy, clearly it will be the audience.

Flamenco Olé!, Sat., March 29, 8 p.m. and Sun., March 30, 3 p.m., $20-$25, Painted Bride Art Center, 230 Vine St., 215-925-9914.

—Janet Anderson

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