Antonia y Antoñita

Neue Zürcher Zeitung

A Flamencomédia A Flamencos en route premiere Do you know what a Flamencomédia is? The answer lies in Flamencos en route's latest production, "Antonia y Antoñita", which premiered at the "Theater im Kornhaus" in Baden. The genre was invented by the group's director, Brigitta Luisa Merki, who took the liberty to create a comedic joke in her very own field, flamenco, and made it into an enthusiastic dance production for the stage, together with Elena Vicini. (...) The transition from the recitation of a text segment from Antonio Robledo's "Celestina" by the flamenco chorus to the dance is brilliantly executed. It begins the play with memories and quotations, which makes up the first part of the performance.A mountain of costumes - the costumes of Susana, the founder of the group - inspires two female flamenco dancers to create a dance production. The styles of the costumes motivate the two women to dance in a specific way. In very lively, humorous fashion, Elena represents today's critical attitude, while Brigitta Luisa - often in moving ways - conjures up memories of the great formal art of her legendary teacher. However, she does not represent nostalgia, but rather resurrects past experiences to the contemporary consciousness of form. It becomes obvious that Brigitta Luisa has been profoundly influenced by Susana, although - at the same time - she has evolved into her own self. The proof lies in the convincing variety of scenes from her own choreographies of the last few years, especially the unsurpassable dance with the cane. In the second part of the production, when guitarist Juan Gómez, who had been sorely missed in the first half, finally shows up and starts his virtuosic play, the two dancers masterfully break into a joyous celebration of dance, making the audience react enthusiastically.

Richard Merz, Neue Zürcher Zeitung, 29.05.2004

Der Landbote

Applying a Rich Heritage to New Things In the Flamencomédia "Antonia y Antoñita", a sequence of scenes in the style of a studio theater production, Brigitta Luisa Merki uses humor and deeper meaning to prepare the audience for the celebration where she receives the Hans Reinhart ring. (...) Using nostalgia and humor, emotion and irony, Brigitta Luisa Merki and Elena Vicini bring to the stage and interpret memories of the past, reproduce with exact poses images of past dances, revisit old scenes - such as the virtuosic dance with the cane -, and carry out violent and lively rhythmic fights. The play with ruffles and trains, castanets and fans is filled with expressive drama and delights with its precise phrasing of movements. (...) With much tension and inner strength Juan Gómez and the two dancers balance dynamism and expression. (...) The costumes for the new Flamencomédia production originate from the collection of the legendary Susana and were adapted and added to by Carmen Pérez Mateos. This is typical for Brigitta Luisa Merki. The conservation and simultaneous creative alteration of the material presented is very characteristic for her work as a dancer, choreographer, and educator, and makes her unique as an artist. At a time when most people are trying to overcome what they have learned as fast as possible and to have no commitments but to themselves, she faithfully honors the memory of "Susana y José" and the teachings of Susana and Antonio Robledo, demonstrating how fruitful their ideas and beginnings have been and what wealth they create even today. (...)

Ursula Pellaton, Der Landbote, 29.05.2004

Aargauer Zeitung

Flamencos en route - for 20 years the name has stood for innovative dance combined with tradition. This lovingly ironic look back shows how much the group has evolved. Flamencos en route has succeeded in changing our image of flamenco considerably over the last few years. The group's latest productions presented us with aesthetic, emotional dance theater based on the traditions of flamenco, but developed further in style and choreography. Just how far can be seen in the newest production, "Antonia y Antoñita", an anniversary special, which premiered on the "home stage", the "Theater im Kornhaus" in Baden. (...)

Sabine Altorfer, Aargauer Zeitung, 28.05.2004