A different flamenco perspective comes to Tel Aviv

Six generations of flamenco tradition come to Tel Aviv as acclaimed Spanish dancer Maria Juncal returns for a one-night performance.

Spanish gypsy flamenco dancer Julia Borrull, an artist with an intense, dramatic style and daughter of famous guitarist Miguel Borrull Castelló (1866-1926), was immortalized, mid-dance, at the age of 21 in 1917 by Spanish painter Julio Romero de Torres in the painting Alegrias, which today hangs in a museum in Córdoba, Spain.

On November 4, Julia’s great-grandniece, Maria Juncal, the sixth generation of the Borull family of flamenco dancers and musicians, will bring her inherited talent to Tel Aviv a full 100 years after her great-great-grandfather’s passing.

She will share her dancing, interpreted and enriched but still flamenco in its purest form, with lovers of the genre and of Spanish and Latin music and dance in general.

Juncal has her regular local fans, as she has been visiting Israel for years, sharing performances that come from the heart, regale, and enchant.

Despite the war with Iran, she performed in Tel Aviv last year – as always, under the auspices of Silvia Baro Productions and the Suzanne Dellal Center. This year, since the venue is being renovated, her show will take place at the Arison Center.
Since 2021, she has been based in Mexico City, where she opened a tablao flamenco (flamenco review), and she performs worldwide.

Four local flamenco musicians to join Juncal

Joining her on stage will be four local flamenco musicians: Piti de Triana on guitar, singers Yael Horwitz and Miriam Levy, and percussionist Itay Asterchan.

Additional local artists involved in the production are Alejandro Ponce (costumes); Nico Kremenchusky and Ika and Ana Iturbide (photography); Tal Gershon (design and digital media); Dudi Bali (sound); and Alexi Merchasin (lighting).
The Jerusalem Post caught up with Juncal ahead of her show.

“During these years, when so much has happened to all of us, the task has been to try to keep our spirits up, maintaining enthusiasm, strength, and vigor,” she said.

“Returning to Israel, which I’ve done several times over these past few years, is always a joy for me, both artistically and personally. It’s a journey I undertake with great excitement.”

Asked about the perception of Israel in Spain, Juncal said, “As for how the conflict is perceived in Spain – or rather, how it’s interpreted, since it isn’t actually experienced firsthand – I think it’s often clouded by noise and a general lack of understanding.

“I believe that, as with so many things that happen in the world, the reactions are often a kind of performance. Those who truly hold a considered opinion or perspective – those who seek common ground and understanding – tend to weigh their words carefully and speak with prudence.”

About A Different Perspective, she noted: “I’m particularly fond of this show because it involves collaborating with local artists who share a deep love for this art form. Working alongside them and experiencing their unique way of feeling and interpreting flamenco is an incredibly enriching process.

“Each piece will be a new experience for me, taking on a life of its own on stage, a life shaped by all of us together.”
A Different Perspective will be presented on November 4 at 8:30 p.m. at the Arison Hall, 7 Saadia Gaon St., Tel Aviv.

For tickets: suzannedellal.org.il/en/ and https://sdc.smarticket.co.il/ For more information: https://silviabarooffice.com