By Carmen Cusido
Thalia Spanish Theatre in Sunnyside is unveiling the African roots of tango in music and dance with the world premiere of “afroTango” starting Friday and running eight weeks.
“Tango was born in Argentina and Uruguay. In Uruguay, African influence was there from the very beginning,” said Angel Gil Orrios, who produced, designed and directed “afro Tango” and is also Thalia’s artistic and executive director. “What I wanted to do was bring up that other side of tango that is not as well known: the African influence.
Thalia has been showcasing tango performances every January for the past 26 years, Gil Orrios said. This is the first production where the theatre will feature tango as well as candombe – and African dance tradition popular in Uruguay.
“Because of candombe, you need to have three drummers. We’ve never had drummers in a tango production. Because of that, musically, it’s going to sound differently,” he said. “We’re going to do a wonderful fusion of candombe and tango. Tango is also part of the Uruguayan culture, not just the Argentinian.”
Gil Orrios said tango and candombe have been designated as Argentina and Uruguay’s “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, or UNESCO.
Carolina Jaurena and her dance partner, Andres Bravo, choreographed the upcoming production of “afroTango.”
“Tango is more melancholy and passionate,” said Jaurena. “It’s good to have that balance of both. Tango is a little more serious, more elegant and candombe is a very happy rhythm … it’s going to be a nice fusion.”
The other couple dancing during “afroTango’s” run are Anton Gazenbeek and Mandi Messina, Jaurena said.
For Jaurena, the production is also a family affair. Jaurena’s father, Latin Grammy winner Raul Jaurena, is the musical director and bandoneón player. Her mother, Marga Mitchell, sings in the show.
“I’ve been around tango for quite some time, and it’s just got a hold of me,” said the Venezuelan- born Jaurena, 36, who currently lives in Newark, N.J. “Once it grabs your heart, you just can’t let it go. I decided to make it my profession and my life. It’s the best decision I ever made. Tango has been my specialty for a few years now. This is what I do professionally. This is what I teach on a regular basis in New York.”
Jaurena has been dancing professionally for about 14 years after working at a bank for five years. She said she quit her job at the bank in order to put all her energy into tango. Jaurena co-starred in the musical “Tango 5 Senses,” which premiered at Thalia last January. She has appeared in six productions at the theatre since 1998.
Thalia’s “afroTango” this year runs from Jan. 25 to Mar. 17; at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and at 4 p.m. on Sundays. There will be about 25 performances during the eight-week run of the show, Gil Orrios said. The yearly tango productions are usually popular and the performances sell out. The theatre has 100 seats, Gil Orrios said.
Tickets for the “afroTango” performances are $35 for adults and $32 for students and seniors, $30 on Fridays and special group rates also are available. There will be a special Valentine’s Day show Feb. 14, 2013, followed by a reception with the artists. Wine and tapas will be served. Tickets are $50 per person.
During last year’s performance of “Tango 5 Senses,” Carolina Jaurena introduced the idea of offering tango lessons for patrons for a fee. This year, Jaurena and her partner, Bravo, will also teach two tango workshops for beginners and intermediate dancers. The fee is $150 per person for seven weeks from Feb. 2 to Mar. 16. Beginner classes are taught from 4-5 p.m. followed by the intermediate classes from 5-6 p.m.
For more information and tickets, call (718) 729-3880 or visit www.thaliatheatre.org. The theatre is located at 41-17 Greenpoint Ave. in Sunnyside.
