2 women, 2 cultures, 2 stories …

This dance project, created by Jana Drdácká (Flamenco) and Anežka Hessová (Kathak),delves into two music and dance traditions, one from southern Spain and the other from Northern India, presenting them to audiences through personal stories and the particular outlook of each interpreter.

Flamenco and kathakhave common roots in the depths of history and a common intermediary – Gypsy (Roma) musicians and dances who brought elements of Indian dance to Andalusia on their long journey through Asia and Europe.Little is known about the real history of that connection. It is largely supposed that flamenco has its roots in the exodus of “Untouchables” from the Punjab around 800–900 AD. These people became the Gypsies/Romanies of lore, traversing Asia and the Middle East, eventually settling in Europe. Today Rajasthani Gypsies can be seen using ancient castanets to embellish their songs about nomadic existence and spiritual devotion. It is through these songs that the origin of flamenco can be clearly identified. A defining element of flamenco music is undeniably the singing, cante. In fact, flamenco initially consisted purely of cante, with handclapping – palmas sordas – or knuckle rapping providing percussive accompaniment. The guitar, a variation of the Arabic ’ūd, was gradually incorporated in the 19th century.

Jana’s and Anežka’s performance does not aim to unveil the precise historical circumstances of the relationship between Flamenco and Kathak. On the contrary, it plays with both traditions in a unique way to bring out the intimate testimony of two women who have spent their lives learning about these cultures and introducingthem to Czech audiences. In the reflections of these ancient, mythological, cultures they explore their own depths and desires, their own selves...