If you had asked prior to the show what Copla is, I would not have been able to answer. Over the course of this transformative hour, Alejandro Postigo brought its true meaning to light. Copla is a music which stands in between. In between the line of fascism and freedom, in between self expression and self repression. It transforms ideals of the world, and takes its listeners along with it.
Although the 40 year reign of fascism in Spain is long over, its legacy is still very much alive. It’s a time where it is easier to leave one’s natal country, rather than live out of the closet. Postigo utilises the beautiful music to spit in the face of those ideas, and break down the barrier into freedom: clear and unequivocal freedom.
Postigo is accompanied by two instrumentalists, a piano and a violin, which complement the beauty of the music and its words. Alongside them is a large screen projector, showing scenes from movies depicting the world’s biggest Copla divas. The use of the screen made the unassuming audience feel as though they were part of the story, part of Copla’s history. It truly made the whole experience come to life in a unique way.
The wardrobe designed by Berthe Fortin for the show is unmatched. Taking inspiration from traditional Spanish clothing patterns and colours, the designs travel from slightly the more conservative, yet highly fashionable, masculine to the more freeing sequinned dress. This transformation follows along with that of the music and story.
This show is absolutely beautiful, funny, heartwarming, but it also underpins an all-too relevant message about segregation. The music binds it all together with its entrancing melodies and lyrics. Please do not miss this opportunity to learn about this piece of Spanish cultural history, you will definitely not regret it!
Copla: A Spanish Cabaret runs at The Other Palace until 26th January.
★★★★★ (5*)
Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Jake Bush
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