Presenting an electrifying fusion of contemporary flamenco with rousing Latin pop and jazz, LOLA: A Flamenco Love Story is an exhilarating new dance musical that tells a moving story of resilience, love and hope. Based on the personal familial experiences of dancer and director María Garcia, this powerful piece deepens the traditional emigration narrative, illuminating a journey of courage and resilience expressed through the exhilarating power of flamenco.
The show follows the titular character, Lola; after the death of her husband, she flees the poverty of Franco’s Spain in the 1960s to find work in London, and support the young children she’s left behind. Whilst navigating the pressures, isolation and loneliness of life as a migrant in a new country, a chance encounter brings Lola fresh hope. A heartfelt tale of perseverance, LOLA takes audiences on a captivating journey through obstacles and fear towards love, hope and connection.
LOLA comes from esteemed performer and writer María Garcia, based on her family’s real experiences. In the 1960s her grandfather and father—only 17 at the time—travelled to Germany as guest workers. Her father stayed, married a Spanish woman and started a family. Having spent many years feeling like a stranger caught between two cultures, Garcia’s recognition of the beautiful fusion of both sides of herself inspired her to create LOLA, the dance musical.
A large ensemble of acclaimed dancers, singers and musicians from the world of flamenco bring this powerful piece to life, with thrilling choreography by Ursula López, soloist with Compañía Andaluza de Danza and guest artist with Ballet Nacional de España. Garcia will be on stage as a dancer and is also responsible for part of the choreography and direction.
María García comments, “LOLA is so captivating because it mixes flamenco with other art forms. The show is moving because it is more than an ‘emigrant story’. Everyone knows the feeling of not being able to cope with a situation. LOLA symbolises the strength you have to muster to overcome life’s challenges. And that is precisely why this danced story is so touching.”
