Praised by critics as a hit production, Ainadamar has captivated audiences in what The Times have called a ‘gripping evening of music drama’.
Combining opera with flamenco dance and song, Olivier Award-winning choreographer Deborah Colker directs an internationally celebrated cast in this 5-star production.
Ainadamar, by Argentinian composer Osvaldo Golijov and acclaimed American librettist David Henry Hwang, explores the life and work of playwright and poet Federico García Lorca whose anti-fascist stance and open homosexuality led to his death in 1936 at the hands of Franco’s Nationalists during the Spanish Civil War.
The story, which reimagines the political drama of the early 20th century, centres around Lorca, sung by Samantha Hankey, his muse Margarita Xirgu, sung by Lauren Fagan, and her student Nuria, sung by Julieth Lozano. The Herald praised all three for their ability to capture the heart of their characters: ‘In the principal roles, Scottish Opera continues to demonstrate its deft hand in casting with three superb company debuts.’
The Times commended The Orchestra of Scottish Opera for their superb performance of the score: ‘The orchestra do a terrific job in music that’s a long way from the regular diet, conducted with admirable focus by their music director, Stuart Stratford’. The Arts Desk similarly observed how the orchestra is ‘on glittering form, capturing the music’s multifaceted ebbs and flows.’
Both audience and critics have been mesmerised by the production’s ability to combine dance, opera, flamenco singing and projections in to one ‘spellbinding’ evening. The Spectator said: ‘This production is about more than the music: it’s a total (and often gripping) theatrical experience’.
More of what the Press said:
★★★★★ ‘Golijov’s score is full of flamenco rhythms and Spanish dances that crackle irresistibly with energy’ The Times
★★★★★ ‘visual spectacle of movement and projection’ The Herald
★★★★★ ‘It’s a simultaneous hit on all the senses, as if the noble passions of opera go head to head with the instant-fix adrenalin of west-end musical.’ The Scotsman
★★★★★ ‘It is a ferocious mix of opera and flamenco in a production which is both aurally and visually stunning throughout’ The Arts Desk
★★★★ ‘Fine singing and dynamic dance make this tale of Fedrico García Lorca’s death shine’ The Telegraph
★★★★ ‘Darkly compelling work is a visual feast’ The Stage
★★★★ The Guardian
‘Colker’s production is visually spectacular in every aspect (from the sets and costumes to the glorious, constant movement and dance, and the extraordinary projections).’ The National
What the Audience thought:
‘Absolutely adored everything about this glorious, mesmerising, joyful, haunting production. Bravo’
‘It was one of the most stunning, moving and gut wrenching live performances I’ve seen in my life.’
‘Breathtaking in so many different levels-the music, singing, staging, lighting, sets, acting, dancing, and the orchestra’
‘This is honestly one of the most incredible live experiences I've ever had.’
‘Adored it, fabulous production, from start to finish, raw passion and energy in the music, the dancers, it moved me to tears.’
‘Brilliant blend of art-forms, cultures and historical perspectives that captures the gamut of emotions. Everything so impressive and memorable.’
‘One my most exciting and memorable experiences of 45 years at the opera house. It was utterly stunning, beautiful, emotionally compelling and executed to absolute perfection.’
See the final performances of Ainadamar at Festival Theatre Edinburgh on 10 & 12 November at 7.15pm. You can find out more about the production, including how to book tickets here.