In a unique fusion of Canadian identity and Spanish passion, acclaimed flamenco dancer Lia Grainger is set to bring her award-nominated production "La Forastera" (The Outsider) to Victoria's Metro Studio Theatre on Sept. 13. This multimedia spectacle promises to captivate audiences with its blend of dance, music, and cinematic storytelling.
Grainger, a Vancouver native who has become one of Canada's most prolific flamenco choreographers, explores the complex journey of cultural identity in this ground-breaking show. "La Forastera" delves into the experience of a West Coast artist who falls in love with an art form deeply rooted in southern Spain, chronicling her quest to belong in a foreign land and her eventual return home.
"Being from B.C. has had a huge effect on who I am as an artist, but I had to go to Spain and live the flamenco art form, and then return, to discover that truth," Grainger explains.
The production, which earned a Dora Mavor Moore Award nomination for Best Individual Performance following its Toronto premiere in 2022, incorporates live narration in Spanish with English subtitles, accompanied by international musicians and singers.
What sets "La Forastera" apart is its innovative use of multimedia elements. Grainger collaborated with filmmaker David Grimes to capture authentic Spanish locations and personalities, weaving these cinematic interludes into the live performance. This unique approach offers viewers an immersive experience that transcends traditional dance productions.
The performance features an impressive international cast. Grainger will be joined by Dora award-winning guitarist Nicolas Hernandez, acclaimed Seville singer Carlos Lobo, and French percussionist Gabrielle Lemseffer. The production also benefited from the creative input of Canadian poets Linda Besner and Katherine Leyton, with choreographic oversight from Vancouver-based flamenco maestro Oscar Nieto.
Grainger's journey in flamenco began in 2004, and she has since performed with numerous companies across Canada and internationally. Her dedication to the art form led her to live in Spain from 2014 to 2019, immersing herself in the culture that birthed flamenco. This experience deeply informs "La Forastera", making it a deeply personal and authentic exploration of cultural identity.
For Grainger, this B.C. tour marks a significant homecoming. The Victoria performance is part of a larger tour that includes shows in Salmon Arm, Kelowna, and Vancouver, bringing her story full circle to the province where her flamenco journey began.
As Grainger prepares to ignite the stage in Victoria, audiences can expect a show that pushes the boundaries of traditional flamenco, blending elements of dance, theatre, and documentary into a live spectacular.
Event Details:
- Date: Friday, Sept. 13
- Venue: Metro Studio Theatre, Victoria, B.C.
- Tickets: $29-$35, available at https://bit.ly/ForasteraVictoria
For those unable to attend the Victoria performance, "La Forastera" will also be presented in Salmon Arm (Sept. 14), Kelowna (Sept. 15), and as part of the Vancouver International Flamenco Festival (Sept. 19).
