We are in full summer mode and that means it's HOT and also that it's time for the stupendous Merida Festival again http://www.festivaldemerida.es/
How exceptionally lucky we are to have this going on just 30 minutes away. The cream of Spanish artists in dance and drama, superb productions all set in a roman theatre which was constructed in 15 BC...............yes that's 2028 years old.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_theatre_(M%C3%A9rida)
One enters the theatre on the original paving stones, very irregular, don't wear high heels........but it IS amazing to see the terminally afflicted Spanish fashion victims managing to still look stunning whilst negotiating this life threatening feat with total elegance. It's all magic, the lighting, the thrill of sitting on the original stone seats (with cushion) and the marvellous stage waiting for the drama, hundreds of frantically moving fans battling against the sultry evening temperatures.
We went to the opening performance, Medea, Seneca version but preformed as a ballet by the superb Ballet Nacional de España with a production created 30 years ago with the legendary team
Choreography, José Granero ; Music, Manolo Sanlúcar; Costumes, Miguel Narro. Flemenco naturally.
What a great evening! Prepare for a long evening, the performance starts at 10.45 and we arrived home at about 2.30............well allowing for some much needed refreshment under the stars of a perfect Extremaduran night and the very welcome cooling mist sprays that a lot of bars have now installed.
In fact we have just installed one at Finca al-manzil..........it's bliss!
