¡VIVA!
direction, choreography: Manuel Liñan
set design advisor: Alberto Velasco
music: Francisco Vinuesa, Victor Guadiana, Kike Terron
musical advisors, singers: David Carpio, Antonio Campos
guitar: Francisco Vinuesa
violin: Victor Pitarch Pronk “Guadiana”
percussion: Kike Terrón
costume design: Yaiza Pinillos
light design: Gloria Montesinos
sound design: Enrique Cabañas
stage manager: Octavio Romero
tour manager: Ines Garcia
photos: Marcos Gpunto
text: Juego y teoría del duende by Federico García Lorca
executive producer, management, distribution: Ana Carrasco, Peineta Producciones
performers: Manuel Liñán, Manuel Betanzos, Jonatán Miro, Miguel Heredia, Daniel Ramos, Yoel Vargas
duration: 90’
premiere: Teatros del Canal Madrid, 2019
“¡VIVA!” is a song to the freedom, where gender roles in a codified world like flamenco, are broken with joy and enjoyment, creating new terrains that, although unexplored, are not distant. A seductive performer of dizzying power, Manuel Liñán has long been praised for the showmanship and sincerity with which he breaks the rules of flamenco. “¡VIVA!” features male dancers clad in traditionally female costumes, exposing the many identity expressions alive within every human body. A transformation that does not always imply a way of masking, but rather a nudity, a revelation. In a celebratory key, Liñán proposes the plurality of flamenco dance, through both its different forms and their singularity. And he does it with six bailaores-bailarines, who will be in charge of exploring and diving in to this fascinating universe of flamenco queer.
Winner of the 2017 Spanish National Dance Award, Manuel Liñán is a celebrated dancer, choreographer and director born in Granada. He trained under the legendary Manolete and Mario Maya, building a strong foundation in flamenco. His exceptional talent led to frequent invitations to choreograph productions for the National Ballet of Spain, New Spanish Ballet and companies of Rafaela Carrasco and Teresa Nieto. He also collaborated with Daniel Doña on the acclaimed show “REW”. In 2008, he launched his solo career with the premiere of “Tauro”. This was followed by “Mundo y Aparte” and “Sinergia”, which resulted with performances at prestigious festivals such as Jerez Festival, where he was awarded in 2012. His remarkable trajectory continued with the Max Award and the Flamenco Hoy Critics' Choice Award, in 2013. The year 2014 marked the premiere of “Nómada” at the Jerez Festival, where he showcased his mastery as dancer and choreographer. This production toured the world's most prominent festivals, solidifying his reputation on the global stage. In 2016, he presented “Reversible”, captivating audiences at major international festivals including Nimes Festival, Netherlands Flamenco Biennale and London Flamenco Festival, while winning the Critics' Choice Award at the Jerez Festival. In 2019, Liñán revolutionized the flamenco scene with the premiere of „¡VIVA!“, a groundbreaking exploration of gender roles and expression in flamenco that redefined the boundaries of tradition. His daring vision and artistic bravery were hailed internationally, making „¡VIVA!“ a reference point in contemporary flamenco. In 2021, he premiered “Pie de Hierro”, continuing to tour it both nationally and internationally. In 2024, he presented “Muerta de Amor”, reaffirming his status as one of the most visionary Spanish artists. Liñán remains a driving force in contemporary flamenco, redefining tradition with innovation, artistic brilliance and unapologetic creativity.
Flamenco Dancers Who ‘Move Between Genders’ in Liñán’s „¡VIVA!“ represents something new to mainstream flamenco audiences: a frank and joyful expression of gay identity.
© The New York Times
Destined for Bullfighting, He Chose to Revolutionize Flamenco Instead–by Dancing in Drag.
© The New Yorker
Liñán’s gift is transcendental. He awakens rhythms, images, wildest possibilities of dance, and banishes the predictabilities of sitting in a theatre watching carefully staged flamenco.
© The Financial Times, UK
Manuel Liñán is the kind of creator who will make new fans for the genre, with his unique brand of fearless, innovative flamenco.
© The Upcoming, UK
