`FLAMENCA NAVIDAD' STIRRING TELLING OF THE NATIVITY STORY (REVIEW)

An enthralling phantasm of sound, dance and visions percolating around a flamenco telling of the Nativity story drew a small, appreciative audience to Academic Auditorium Wednesday night.

Four musicians led by master guitarist Igor el Ruso propel "Flamenca Navidad," which infuses the familiar story of the angel Gabriel, Mary and Joseph and the Magi with the stirring rhythms of flamenco. Storytellers relate the tale of the prophecies and the conception in a way that underscores how Mary and Joseph -- here Maria and Jose -- must have felt to be visited by such a miracle.

Whirling dervishes, belly dancers, a dancing Virgin Mary, and three wildly dressed Wise Men accompanied by dancers splendidly costumed as a horse, a camel and an elephant helped create a spectacle of color and movement.

The cast of 15 is composed of both professionals, professors and students at the University of New Mexico, the only major university in the nation to offer a flamenco major.

El Ruso's traditional Spanish guitar mingled nicely with the Jaco Pastorius-style electric bass musings of Sean Kupicz, often creating an otherworldly effect.

Hanging over them in a minor key was the striking voice of singer Manolo Segura.

The dancers were spectacular, foremost among them Joaquin Alejandro Encinias as Joseph. Encinias danced like a force of nature impossible to look away from.

Estefania Ramirez was enchanting Maria. All the while, a Greek chorus kept time by clapping and stamping their feet.

Created by Albuquerque-based Pablo Rodarte and Dance Espana, "Navidad Flamenca" was adapted and arranged by Segura, with El Ruso providing the original music.

"Flamenca Navidad" is an unusual creation, combining elements of a musical, dance piece and drama. It was unlike anything to come through town in a long, long time.

The performance was sponsored by the Community Concert Association, which is to be applauded for programming such an extraordinary production.