August 6, 1999
By Berenice Cisneros
"There is hot, and then there
is blistering. Maria Bermudez and her company nearly torched the
stage!" So raved the Los Angeles Times two years ago
when Bermudez performed in Sonidos Gitanos at the John Anson Ford
Amphitheater. And at last year's return engagement, Times
dance critic Lewis Segal cited her "spectacular technical
resources at something like full power."
Now San Diego audiences will get their chance to sit close
to the flame known as Maria Bermudez when she makes her San Diego
debut at the Lyceum Theatre, August 24th and 25th.
The production of "Sonidos Gitanos/Gypsy Flamenco" is direct from Spain's Jerez de la Frontera, considered a birthplace of the pure form of the art of Flamenco -- with its emphasis on spontaneity, passion and immediate emotional response to the music.
Of the company's 1997 concert at the Ford Amphitheater, the Times raved: "Maria Bermudez and her company nearly torched the stage. White hot passion coalesced with flying feet as adrenaline soared."
Born and raised in California, Bermudez has, for the past several years, resided in Jerez de la Frontera, where she studied with the legendary Farruco and where she has won the respect of the Gypsies for the authenticity and passion of her artistry. She made her American debut at the fabled El Cid and has worked with such distinguished artists as Pansequito, Nano de Jerez, El Capullo, Antonio and Manuel de la Malena.
"Sonidos Gitanos" will feature guest dancer Joaquin Grilo and celebrated flamenco violinist Bernardo Parrilla. The company also includes singers Antonio de La Malena, El Londro and Ana De Los Reyes, and guitarists Paco Cruz and Alfredo Lagos.
Prior to the San Diego engagement, Bermudez is performing in the all-flamenco program "Gypsy Passion" at the Hollywood Bowl on Sunday, August 22. And as always, she is brining her own company of dancers, singers and musicians direct from Jerez de la Frontera. According to Bermudez, no one has ever imported an entire flamenco company from Jerez -- the very heartland of flamenco puro.
As she explains: "Pure flamenco is not just fancy footwork, or choreography or costumes. It comes from a very deep place inside -- from the cries of the Gypsies (a people who have suffered persistent persecution). Like Blues music, flamenco puro is largely improvised. The singer sets the emotions; the guitarists join in; the dancer listens, and only when inspired, begins to dance!"
"Sonidos Gitanos" will be performed at the Lyceum Theatre on Tuesday, August 24 and Wednesday, August 25 at 8 pm. Tickets are $30 and $40.
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