Abu Dhabi Festival 2022 presented the world premiere of De Scheherazade a Yo, Carmen by María Pagés, co-directed by the playwright El Arbi El Harti, at the Gran Teatre del Liceu in Barcelona on 27 May. Hailed all over the world as one of the finest contemporary flamenco shows, the performance is a new take on the gypsy cigarette girl from Mérimée's novella who was made famous by the Bizet opera and the quick-witted storyteller of the Arabian Nights. Co-produced by Abu Dhabi Festival with María Pagés and Gran Teatre del Liceu, Yo, Carmen is one of many cross-cultural collaborations between the Festival and Spain.
Commenting on the partnership, Her Excellency Huda I. Alkhamis Kanoo, Founder of ADMAF and Founder and Artistic Director of Abu Dhabi Festival said: “Abu Dhabi Festival is pleased to partner with the historic Gran Teatre del Liceu to present audiences in Barcelona with the world premiere of María Pagés’ unique take on two of literature’s most legendary female characters in De Scheherazade a Yo, Carmen. The latest in our extensive history of collaboration with Spain, the spectacular performance reflects our commitment to partnering with the world’s greatest institutions to produce new works, giving people around the world the opportunity to discover new talents and come together in shared experiences.
“Our co-production of Yo, Carmen with Pagés and the Gran Teatre del Liceu inspires artists to celebrate traditions by incorporating them into new and innovative works. María Pagés, one of the most internationally renowned vanguard Flamenco dancers, does exactly that with her inventive interpretation of Mérimée's Carmen and the famed storyteller Scheherazade.” Her Excellency added.
The choreography by Pagés, winner of the 2022 Princess of Asturias Award for the Arts, is a unique interpretation of the reality of the female experience. Featuring 11 flamenco dancers, seven musicians, and the voices of singers Ana Ramón and Cristina Pedrosa, the performance is a fusion of traditional flamenco dance and classical music. Bringing the group of dancers together to capture the versatile nature of femininity in 11 scenes, it aims to unravel stereotypes by presenting a single free and fearless woman on stage.
De Scheherazade a Yo, Carmen, runs from 27 May to 3 June and is part of the 19th edition of the Abu Dhabi Festival, held under the theme Crafting an Emirates State of Mind: Creation, Innovation and Joy.
