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It's on till 26 May and here's Some things you might want to know about Brighton Fringe 2008
Taconeo Grupo Flamenco - Concierto Flamenco Puro
Verdict: Some vibrant moments
It is not easy to conjure the spirit of Andalusia in a small Camden theatre - but the Taconeo Grupo Flamenco made a brave attempt. The group, consisting of two dancers, a guitarist and a vocalist, performed a 45-minute slot with a mixture of collected and solo performances. Both dancers, Sara Frasca and Fumie Akiya de Mena, showed off a variety of styles and at times really came to life. The use of castanets and fan brought the dance to a climax - but could have been used for longer. Sara Frasca made use of the intimate space to convey changing emotions in her face as well as her movement, which had an intensity and elation that came out best when she performed alone.
Fumie Akiya de Mena was less diverse, and seemed ill at ease throughout, though she had a graceful fluidity that complimented Sara Frasca's frenzied foot-stamping. The real highlight of this show was the guitarist, Angus Cruickshank, whose gentle playing was sweet and haunting. It is a shame the group did not make more of him, as he and the singer, Manuel de Cadiz remained sitting at the back throughout. The group also did not make proper use of the lighting - the only technical tool it had at its disposal. There was a strange mix of full stage lights followed by a mis-directed spotlight. It was only half-way through that the idea of using low, red lights began. There were some vibrant moments in this low-key show, but despite the group's accomplishments, the space did it no favours.
Cast Credits: (alpha order): Dancers - Sara Frasca, Fumie Akiya de Mena. Vocals - Manuel de Cadiz. Guitar - Angus Cruickshank
Company Credits: Music - uncredited. Choreographer - uncredited. Director - uncredited. Designer - uncredited. Lighting Designer - uncredited. Technician - David Salter. Producer - uncredited. Company - Taconeo Grupo Flamenco. Camden Fringe Credits: Directors (alpha order): Zena Barrie, Michelle Flower. Box Office: Etcetera Theatre - Malcolm Keen; Liberties - Martin Donnelly.
END
(c) Bo Wilson 2007
reviewed Thursday 9 August 07 / Etcetera Theatre
Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2008