Madrid Theater: Divorced, Evangelical and Vegetarian

I will start off with an unspoken truth that is fitting to this drama: “chick flicks” are not just for girls if they meet one expectation: beautiful actresses. I mean, lets face it – we all know that if a man goes to a girly, silly film with his spouse, he will walk out content if there was womanly beauty to make up for the so-called “lack” of substance. Well, not to say that this play lacks any substance (it is in fact quite profound), but it is one of the few theatrical dramas that could be considered a “chick flick.” However, for ladies and gentlemen alike, it is a charming play.

Beatrice, Gloria and Meche, stunning young women, find themselves overwhelmed by loneliness and fear of change. Their similar struggles with letting go of the past and their failed relationships make them come together to form a triangle of support. Despite their differences (Beatrice is divorced, romantic and dreamy, Gloria is a devout protestant, and Meche is a progressive vegetarian), they establish a friendship built on the mutual sensation of being lost and lonely. Yet it is this very friendship that becomes a doorway into the emergence of three independent, happy women. Although the drama has a slight cheese factor, it is unquestionably a truthful and universal account of friendship between women. The play is based on the book (of the same name) by Venezualen Gustavo Ott.

When: July 8^th – August 29^th, 2010
Where: Teatro Compac de Gran Vía
Address: Gran Vía, 66
When: Wednesday – Friday at 21:00 p.m. Saturday at 22:30 p.m. and Sunday at 19:00 p.m.
Price: 12-25 euros
Tickets can be bought at the box office between 17:00 p.m. and the start of the performance or at (+34) 902 488 488.

By Chloe Nash

Madrid Cabaret: Passion Without Daggers

Before you read any further, let me assure you that this is not your typical cabaret show. The audience is young, fun and funky – there is no sleaze factor here! Furthermore, the show is a creative combination of good dance, visuals and music.  Apart from being a nighttime refuge from the heat, the borderline sultry performance consists of “strange and ambiguous creatures” that will pull you into an unreal world like a great book.  The sensual circus-like show is a unique blend of burlesque and quality choreography. With a dark and dreamy undertone and the Price Orchestra playing in the background, the viewers are drawn into a space that muddles the lines between reality and fiction. As the Teatro Circo Price website claims, the performance will “bite the heart of Madrid as if it were a red apple.”

It has been noted by many that cabaret and burlesque have experienced a recent revival throughout Europe, perhaps as a reaction against multimillion dollar productions that have come to characterize the modern world of entertainment.  Although this cabaret is brimming with visual distinction and impressive effects, it is without a doubt a step away from technology and a return to people as the source of art.

The aim of Passion Without Daggers is to unite artists and audience through uncanny intimacy. The members of the show are known for their ability to stir and provoke. If you are looking for a little escape from your world and the heat, grab a ticket while the group is still around.

Where: Teatro Circo Price
Address: Ronda de Atocha, 35
When: July 1 – July 31
Hours: Tuesday – Friday 21:00 p.m. Saturdays 18:00 p.m. Sundays 21:30 p.m.
Cost: Depends on location of table and number of guests. Average cost for a shared table (seats 4) is 30 Euro.
Metro: Atocha or Embajadores

By Chloe Nash

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1. Ronda de Atocha, 35

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Comedy in Madrid: Confidencias Muy Íntimas (Very Intimate Secrets)

We’ve all been there – face-to-face with a husband, girlfriend, or parent, having an emotional conversation. You know, the sort of conversation in which you attempt to connect your voice to your gut. Of course, the reasons behind such discussions vary – perhaps one has to let off steam, or look for support, or call out complicity in the other. Well, the characters in this play explore and engage in all sorts of dramatic and emotional talks, working towards a subjective truth and mutual peace of mind. But don’t be fooled – the play is not heavy; it is quite the contrary, in fact.  The comedy creates a (not so subtle) mockery out of the intimate interactions that have a place in everyone’s life. The protagonists arrive at a lighthearted – almost silly – space through their profound and sometimes grave dialogues. Although the characters are full of muddled emotions and thoughts, the script is a testament to the power of communication – how words are liberating and augment the pursuit of happiness. Consisting of a series of unforeseen situations, the play confirms that the process of undressing a soul is much more enjoyable and healthy than attempting to hide it. With powerful roots in dramatic literature and the intent to be a film, not a play, this comedy is a unique picker-upper.

Where: Teatro Bellas Artes
Address: Marques de Casa Riera, 2
When: Now – August 15th, 2010
Times: Wednesday, Thursday  & Friday 20:30, Saturday 19:30 & 22:30, Sunday 19:00.
Cost: 20 & 25 euros. Students and Seniors 15 & 20 Euro.
Tickets: One can buy tickets at the venue Tuesdays 16:00 p.m. – 20:00 p.m and Wednesday – Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 13:30 p.m. & 17:00 p.m. up to an hour before the play. One can also order tickets by calling 902 10 12 12.

By Chloe Nash

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1. Calle del Marqu�s de Casa Riera, 2

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Contemporary Dance: Nederlands Dance Theatre Company at the Teatro Real

From now until the 26th of June, you can catch the celebrated Nederlands Dance Theatre Company (widely known as NDT) at the Teatro Real. Four pieces by four different choreographers constitute the program. Due to the scenery, music and composition, the pieces all have a theatrical undertone. The show includes the two sections of the company. NDT I consists of 30 dancers that vary in age from 23 – 40, while NDT II consists of 16 young and emerging dancers up to the age of 23. NDT II and I will dance together for one piece, and separately for the others.

The Nederlands Dance Theatre has a fascinating story. It was founded in 1959 when 22 dancers “broke free” from the Netherlands Ballet. The radical ballerinas were passionate about dance but wanted more creative license. With the guidance of Carel Birnie and Benjamin Harkavy, they moved steadily towards professional modern dance. Now, NDT is one of the principal modern dance companies in the world. The combination of the dancer’s artistic approach and comprehensive training makes for a viewing experience that attracts full houses worldwide. The current artistic director, Jim Vincent, has greatly augmented the aesthetic of the company. His first and foremost interest is to fortify the connection between dance and society, creating a unique and complete experience for the audience.  NDT’s influence extends wide and far. After being a part of the prominent company, many dancers begin their own company that has roots in and ties with NDT.

Tickets can be purchased at the venue Monday – Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 13:30 p.m. & from 16:30 p.m. to 19:00 p.m. One can also buy tickets online or by calling (+34) 902 244 848.

Where: Teatro Real
Address: Plaza de Isabel II
When: June 25^th at 20:00 p.m.  &  June 26^th at 17:00 p.m. and 21:00 p.m.
Cost: 15 – 90 euros depending on seats. For children, prices start from 6 euros.

By Cloe Nash

Contemporary Play: The America of Edward Hopper

Author-director Ava Hibernia submerged herself in the imaginative world of the renowned Edward Hopper when she decided to write and direct this drama. The aesthetic universe of the play completely echoes and plays off the visual feel of Hopper’s work. The 2-hour play consists of a young couple, Vera and Tomás, whom have never found stability. They live form hotel to hotel since Tomás’ work demands constant relocation and does not provide for the cost of a permanent home. Every hotel bedroom becomes a space where the past, present and future coexist, a significant theme in Hopper’s paintings.

As inspiration for the play, Ava Hibernia selected 12 of Hoppers paintings and made her own chronology out of them, through which the characters traverse in her play. The couple’s small sense of constancy is shaken, however, when Vera finds the same typewriter with which she and her (dead) twin brother would use to write short stories when they were young. This surprising find causes Vera to retreat to the dusty memories of her childhood, when her brother was still alive. Together, the couple embarks on a journey to the past while simultaneously moving together towards the future. The set design (by Jon Berrondo) and lighting (by Quico Guitiérrez) generates a sense of “total transparency” (Ava Hibernia) that emanates Hopper ’s own lucid use of light.

When: June 24^th – July 25^th. Tue – Sun 21:00 p.m.
Where: Teatro Español
Cost: 16 euros. 12 euros for adults and seniors with ID.

How to buy a ticket:
At The Venue: Tuesday – Sunday 11:30 a.m. until 13:30 p.m. AND 17:30 p.m. until an hour before the play.
Over the Phone: (+34) 902 10 12 12

By Chloe Nash

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1. Teatro Espa�ol

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MOV’s 2010 – International Conference of the Movement Arts

From June 10^th -13^th, Madrid will host (for the first time!) the 3rd annual MOV’s convention. Consisting of conferences, group projects and a few performances, MOV’s is the Space for the International Exchange of Dance and Movement Arts. Dancers, choreographers, companies and dance enthusiasts will come together from around the world to absorb new ideas, watch outstanding dancers in their element, and enjoy the artistic atmosphere of 600+ “movement artists. ”

This year’s central theme is the active spectator, an idea that the conferences and workshops will explore. To sign up for MOV’s or to buy a ticket to one of the performances that are open to the general public, visit the official MOV’s website. With 450 Spaniards and 200 international guests already enrolled, MOVs is bound to be a hit this year. MOV’s will also offer 3 hands-on colloquiums about the different realities in the field of Performing Arts in Madrid, ideal for those who would like to continue an education in the world of Movement Arts. The MOV’s events will be held in what are undoubtedly some of Madrid’s most artistically revered spaces – The Reiña Sofia, Teatro Circo Price, Círculo de Las Bellas Artes and Teatros De Canal.

By Chloe Nash

Suma Flamenca 2010

Now in its fifth year, Suma Flamenca is set to begin on June 4^th and will bring nearly a month’s worth of Flamenco to Madrid, with the closing not until July 2^nd. The event is sponsored by the Communidad de Madrid and seeks to educate and entertain the public on this historic Spanish art form. Flamenco is a form of dance and music that is a real source of pride and tradition to the people who love it and this is a great opportunity to take part in something truly unique to Spain. The organizers have set-up 33 events including some of the most well regarded names in Flamenco while also balancing the line-up with newcomers trying to make a name for themselves. For complete information on the event click here.

By Coleman File

Teatro Real: Monteverdi’s L’incoronazione di Poppea

Premiered for the first time in 1643, Claudio Monteverdi’s L’incoronazione di Poppea was the first opera event to ever charge an entrance fee. This now cherished tradition comes to you in the form of 2.40 to 156 Euros, which is what it’ll cost you to watch it at the Teatro Real this month. Directed by William Christie, conducted by Pier Luigi Pizzi and starring Daniella de Niese and Philippe Jaroussky, the opera takes inspiration from the life of Sabina Poppea, an interesting character to say the least: the lover Otton and then of the emperor Nero, she actually came to be Empress of Rome for a short while. Her mythical ambition, greed and love affair with Nero are what Monteverdi focuses on in this classic opera, which will be playing until the 28^th of this month. Times are 20:00 p.m. during the week and 18:00 p.m. on Sundays, Click here for tickets and further information.

By Daniel Sznajderman

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1. Plaza de Isabel II

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English Theater Madrid: A Little Learning

Brit Matt Randle has written and directed a comedy about being an English teacher in Madrid. “A Little Learning” is going up this weekend and next in the La Madrilera theater in Malasaña. Randle, himself an English teacher, has recreated the particular pressures as well as the humor of teaching English in Madrid using a cast primarily of native speakers, but also some Spaniards as well as others. It’s absolutely suitable to a native-English speaking audience. Harry and Hannah, both teachers, are friends and they try to negotiate the foreign terrain in both work and romance. Harry even ends up on an Aprende Inglés-type television show but then also unfortunately ends up in jail on the night of his 30^th birthday due to an incident he caused on the show. Hannah has panic attacks about where her professional/romantic life is going, and also panic attacks about how to answer questions about grammar. So yes, there are grammar books hidden under the teacher’s table, embarrassing intercambios, a sleazy, overconfident English teacher/foil, failed attempts to flirt across the language barrier and other things that I think have yet to be depicted on a Spanish stage. The show runs May 21st, 22nd, 28th and 29th at 21:30 p.m. Tickets are 4 euros.

La Madrilera
C/ Don Felipe, 9
Metro: Tribunal.
E-mail: (alittlelearning@hotmail.co.uk)

By Alexandra Atiya

Theater Production in English: 11 and 12

Part of the Festival de Otoño (en Primavera), the play 11 and 12 is beginning its short run tonight at the Matadero. Peter Brook directs a seven-member cast in a story of spiritual and political strife in colonized Mali in the 1930s. 11 and 12 refers to a doctrinal debate about whether a certain prayer should be said eleven or twelve times a day. This incarnation of the play premiered in Paris in 2009, but Brook had been working with the material for several years before. 11 and 12 developed out of another production he directed in 2004. The production is in English and runs May 13th , 14th , 17th  and 18th  at 20:30 p.m.; Saturday May 15th at 18:30 p.m. and 17:30 p.m.; Sunday, May 16th at 19:00 p.m. Tickets are 22 euros. More info click here.

Matadero Naves de Español,
Paseo de la Chopera, 14
Metro: Legazpi

By Alexandra Atiya