PORT ANGELES — The Soledad Barrio & Noche Flamenca dance company has started a two-week residency at Field Arts & Events Hall and will offer its first public events on Saturday.
The group will host a free community conversation and several performances at the hall at 201 W. Front St. in Port Angeles, illustrating the art as members prepare for the West Coast premiere of a new show, “Searching for Goya,” at the Meany Center in Seattle.
This is the first residency at the hall, according to Jess Grello, marketing and communications director at Field Hall.
“Having artistic companies spend significant time in our community is one of Field Hall’s goals,” said Steve Raider-Ginsburg, executive director of Field Hall.
“Artistic residencies open the doors for a vibrant exchange between artists and our community,” he added. “We’re thrilled to offer this extended exchange with such a world-renowned group of artists.”
The troupe arrived on Monday and will rehearse at the hall through Nov. 11-12, when it will present performances to the public prior to the Seattle premiere Nov. 16-18, in addition to events this weekend.
“The troupe of about 13 members have been “lovely, just a pleasure to work with,” Grello said.
The performance, choreographed by artistic director Martín Santangelo and principal dancer Soledad Barrio, explores the art of Francisco de Goya. The show draws inspiration from Goya’s response to the political upheaval and injustices of 18th and 19th century Spain.
This Saturday, the dance company will host “The Art of Flamenco,” a free First Fed Community Conversation in the Donna M. Morris Theater at the hall. The Field Hall lobby and theater will be opened at 3:45 p.m. for seating and the community conversation will begin at 4 p.m.
It will offer an opportunity to delve into the world of flamenco, guided by Noche Flamenca company members.
Although admission is free, RSVP is requested and is available at www.fieldhallevents.org.
Following the First Fed Community Conversation, the “Music of Flamenco” is scheduled in the Field Hall Sunset Bar & Lounge.
Noche Flamenca musicians and singers will perform live from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. while a tapas menu, wine and full bar are available. No cover will be charged; seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis. No RSVP is needed.
On Nov. 11 and Nov. 12, the group will present “Searching for Goya” at Field Hall. The residency performances will be at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 11 and 3 p.m. Nov. 12 in the Donna M. Morris Theater.
The show pushes “the boundaries of traditional flamenco with a theatrical flair that transports the audience on a journey through Goya’s imagination,” according to Field Hall personnel.
Tickets, ranging from $25 to $75, are available at www.fieldhallevents.org.
Founded in 1993 by Martín Santangelo and dancer Soledad Barrio, Soledad Barrio & Noche Flamenca has performed at such venues as Lincoln Center, the Joyce Theater and Joe’s Pub at the Public Theater. It has toured the United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Argentina and Australia.
The dance company has won awards from the National Dance Project, the MAP Fund and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Soledad Barrio was honored with Dance Magazine’s Exceptional Artist Award, while the company has received the Lucille Lortel Award for Special Theatrical Experience and several Bessie Awards for Outstanding Performer and Exceptional Artist.
For more information about the company, visit https://www.soledadbarrioandnocheflamenca.com.
For additional information abut Field Hall, see https://fieldhallevents.org/#/events.
