A new production created by Granadino dancer and choreographer, Iván Vargas, Pellizco is a show structured around different scenes, linked to each other, reflecting the three most fundamental stages in his life and artistic career.

The first scene captures his return to the stage after the pandemic and his reconnection with flamenco, a necessity and a way of life for Vargas. After months of uncertainty, he contemplates the ways in which he can bring Duende’s heartbeat back to the stage through a solemn and sombre palo known as caña.

In the second scene, titled “Origen” (Origin), Vargas and his guest artist reminisce about their roots and the lands that nurtured them — the two emblematic Andalusian cities of Sevilla and Granada.

In the third and final scene, perhaps the most moving, Vargas pays tribute by showcasing the choreographies and music of three of Granada’s greatest artists, maestros, and staples of flamenco: Juan Andrés Maya, Manolete, and Enrique Morente.

This show features meticulous staging and a cast of artists who bring new nuances to traditional performances, captivating and surprising us with their skill.

Carmen Romero, the Artistic Director and Principal Dancer of Toronto’s Compañía Carmen Romero, serves as the guest co-curator for the 10th annual Duende Flamenco Festival, alongside Amirali Alibhai, Head of Performing Arts at the Aga Khan Museum and the Festival’s Artistic Director.