Spanish Dances from Teatro Real (3xDVD) | Antonio Gades, Various Artists

DVD 1: CARMENBased on the novella Carmen (1845) by Prosper MerimeeThis matchless ballet production shows how the explosive power and intensity of feeling in traditional Spanish flamenco can bring to life the sultry passion, earthy emotion, love and rivalry that is Carmen. Vanesa Vento lives and breathes Carmen, emphasizing the many faces of this character, feminine, passionate and a freedom fighter, but fickle in love as she shamelessly flirts with men. But Carmen’s wild ways becomes her downfall.DVD 2: BODAS DE SANGRE / BLOOD WEDDINGBased on the theatre play by Federico Garcia LorcaBodas de Sangre – globally successful masterpiece - depicts the story of a bride, who runs away with her former lover (now a married man with a child of his own) on her wedding night. The furious groom follows them, and a deadly fight ensues between the two men.SUITE FLAMENCASuite Flamenca consists of seven pieces of traditional flamenco dance, presented with Antonio Gades’s own unique insight on the aesthetics of flamenco dance, initially described as avant-garde is now considered a classic.DVD 3: FUENTEOVEJUNAA ballet by Antonio Gades, inspired by the theatre play by Lope de VegaFuenteovejuna is a Spanish dance signature piece of purity and precision. Based on a true event that inspired Lope de Vega to write this classic play in 1619, Fuenteovejuna is about a village in Cordoba ruled by a tyrannical commander, whose violent and abusive actions engender the villagers’ intense hatred. Until one day, encouraged by their women, the villagers choose freedom, and, armed with farming tools, they take the law into their own hands.