What: “El Cid au Flamenco”
Where: The Theater at Monmouth
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday
Box office: (207) 933-9999
Passionate flamenco, acting at Monmouth
MONMOUTH – The Theater at Monmouth is hosting Two Lights Theatre Ensemble’s critically acclaimed “El Cid au Flamenco.”
Earlier, this was presented in Portland. It will be at The Theater at Monmouth at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Aug. 27 and 28.
This show will conclude the summer portion of the 35th anniversary season of the Monmouth theater, also known as The Shakespearean Theater of Maine.
A Romeo and Juliet kind of story, “El Cid” by Pierre Corneille, is considered a masterpiece of French classic theater. “El Cid” is a passionate epic in which true love is pitted against the demands of honor and family duty. In order to repair an affront to his father, Rodrigue will have to choose between Chimène, his passionate and true love, and vengeance. Chimène will have to choose between her duty to her father’s memory and her love for Rodrigue. As background to their poignant love story is the ongoing war between the Spanish Christians and the Muslim Moors.
A spokesman for the Monmouth theater says Two Lights is giving this fierce story the fire it deserves: Since “El Cid” is set under the heat of the Spanish sun, director Emmanuelle Chaulet is including flamenco dancing, live music and sword fighting in the production.
Brigitte Blose’s choreography evokes the traditional flamenco dancers. The ensemble is composed of 11 actors and dancers, and two musicians. Original flamenco music composed by Travis Ramsey is performed live to underscore the production. Set design by Jerome Wills is reminiscent of a Spanish amphitheater, while costumes by Piper Silverthorne evoke the colorful gypsy flamenco style. In keeping with Two Lights’ tradition, the show includes slide projections of photographs of Spanish art and landscapes by French artist Jean-Pierre Rousset.
Based on a Spanish long narrative poem written around 1140, the play is a fictional account of the life of a real historical figure, Rodrigo Diaz of Bivar, whom the Moors called El Cid – the warrior. A fierce and legendary commander, he instilled panic among the Moors, even after his death; though his body was pierced by arrows, he rode straight, proud,and unbending out onto the battlefield.
People won’t want to miss this fierce and ardent production, perfect for an entertaining evening of late summer theater, according to the spokesman.
Tickets are $18 for general admission and $14 for seniors and students. People can order tickets by calling the box office, (207) 933-9999.
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