After its premiere in Rome at Theatro Garbatella in December, Manfredi Gelmetti’s performance, “Van-Flamenco-Gogh,” is coming to Greece for two days (March 1 & 2), hosted at the “Metaxourgeio” Theatre. Through flamenco, live music, singing, and narration, the life of the great Dutch painter, Vincent van Gogh, unfolds on stage. The acclaimed actor and flamenco dancer did not choose Greece by chance. As he notes: “It is your culture in relation to theatre, art, and dance. Every step in Greece is a step through history. That was the reason I chose this vibrant, culturally rich country to stage our performance.”
Walking in the Footsteps of the Great Painter
An empty space, without scenery. Empty, just like the emotional void that accompanied Vincent van Gogh throughout his life. Mild-mannered, naturally shy, and reluctant to engage in unnecessary talk, the iconic Dutch painter became a torrent of words whenever he spoke about his art. Courageous and unconventional, disregarding social conventions without considering the cost, sharp in his critiques and profound in his thoughts, Van Gogh used painting as his redemption, his therapy, and his reason for being. He let passion, impulses, and inner turmoil guide his hand on the canvas, distorting reality and viewing it through the lens of his own internal struggles. The performance “Van-Flamenco-Gogh” seeks to shed light on the life of this great painter, who left an indelible mark and influenced generations of artists. Like a still-life painting, it breathes life into his legacy, showcasing all his creative energy and vital force, driven by the explosive nature of flamenco, music, and storytelling.
“Van-Flamenco-Gogh”
A performance by Manfredi Gelmetti
Dance & Narration: Manfredi Gelmetti
Guitar: Francesca Turchetti
Vocals: Rosarillo
Where: Metaxourgeio Theatre, 14 Akadimou St., Athens
When: March 1 & 2 at 21:00
Tickets: Pre-sale available
Duration: 65 minutes
“Van-Flamenco-Gogh” is supported by the Embassy of Spain in Italy and the Cervantes Institute in Rome, two prestigious institutions that have recognized its artistic and cultural significance.
