Copla : A Spanish Cabaret
Discover the history and joy of Spanish Copla music and break down borders at The Other Palace Studio.
Copla music is something that performer and PHD in Copla Alejandro Postigo has studied and adores. It is a form of music that fell victim to censorship for supporting queer and taboo demographics under dictatorship Europe. Something special about this show is the personal connection with Alejandro. You really feel this is his story. From the certificate of his PHD in Copla music hanging on the wall to the video interview with his 101 year old grandma.
Imploring an emotional connection, the exploration of generational trauma and the sense of "otherness" that queer people, amongst others, can feel is paralysing. The honesty and transparency poured onto the stage was admirable and created an impressive spectacle of queer celebration.
Alejandro performs through some iconic Copla divas throughout history and highlights how they have paved the way for future generations. From sex workers to LGBTQIA+ identifying individuals, Copla was a freedom and expression. A strength that powers the individual, lighting the fierce fire behind needing to fight censorship to tell these important stories.
Completing the cabaret is Violeta Valladares on violin and Jack Elsdon on piano playing through the songs and providing backing vocals. As individuals and a collective these two work as the perfect accompanists injecting humour and depth into the right moments.
Director Sergio Maggiolo has worked beautifully with writer and performer Alejandro to create a timeline that educates and entertains. The growth and development of the genre radiates on to the stage as costumes evolve like a budding flower until a beautiful final form of true queer expression is revealed. While the staging is minimal it is effective and creates a space reminiscent of the key theme of "between".
Once Copla was popular and adapted by those who oppressed it, the new censored versions created a between phase. People who knew the originals were ostracised and became ever more trapped into segregational boxes. This show created a space somewhere between the Spanish culture of Copla and a western idea of Cabaret placing the audience in this sense of otherness in an immersive fashion.
A heart wrenching monologue as the show closes identifies the importance of the music and also the show. Not just for a personal journey but for our current political climate where censorship is rising and history is repeating itself.
As people now find themselves between blood relatives and chosen families, between home countries and safer spaces, between genders, between lover and heartache, between honesty and safety - perhaps Copla is something that can provide some comfort.
Copla: A Spanish Cabaret is a personal and emotive musical journey about expression and identity. Ultimately it leaves you with a feeling of joy and a determination to not be silent.
This show was reviewed on the 17th January 2025 at The Other Palace, London where it runs until the 26th January 2025. Tickets available here: Copla: a Spanish Cabaret - The Other Palace Theatre
Review written by Ryan Lenney
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Photo credit: Jake Bush
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