I apologise from the outset for the proliferation of superlatives which will litter this review, but that is what this show is, superlative!
Aylin Bayaz is a dancer who has appeared before on the Fringe bringing her style of Spanish flamenco. It's precise, hot, focussed and filled with flair and drama. It is not Raul Mannolas first Fringe either, the accompanying guitarist, and he delivers a breath-taking level of accomplishment and an astonishing flair for both delivery and interpretation. The two of them on stage create a perfect balance for each other and the result is a mesmerising masterclass in Flamenco.
The performance is filmed before a live audience on a small black lined stage. The online show starts with little introduction and Bayaz begins at a pace and speed which immediately pulls the audience into the performance. Mannolas accompaniment is well judged and totally in sympathy with the delivery of the dancer. Indeed, the connection between the musician and dancer is palpable. The music frames, supports, leads, and follows the movement and dance.
The DNA of the show is Spanish Flamenco and here the flare of Raul Mannola is allowed to show the fierce underpinning of Bayaz's choreography with his musical accompaniment and at one point he is left on stage to deliver an astounding solo performance of exquisite musical range and dexterity. His performance together with the dancer creates a flux of creativity on the small stage and delivers an absorbing and vibrant show.
The sound recording is excellent, but the lighting of the event was slightly lacking it being uneven and possessing a shallow purple colour cast. And if I had another criticism, it is that this performance is too short, ends too abruptly and is worthy of more than a single statically framed camera set up.
These last points aside, this is a great show and perfectly exposes the ultra-dramatic form this type of music and dance can possess.
Delivered Online
Show Time: Anytime
1 -25 Aug
Ticket prices: Pay What You Can
Tickets: https://res.cthearts.com/event/34:3992/34:66718/