Explore Spain + Portugal

A year-long celebration of the arts of Spain and Portugal as part of 2014-15 Discovery Series.

The Discovery Series takes audiences on an artistic journey around the globe each year. Spanning many different artistic disciplines, it extends throughout the Center’s 2014–15 Season and includes performances, films and arts-connect special events, culminating in OrigiNation: A Festival of Native Cultures.

Unmasking the Mystery of Flamenco

• On February 3, 2015 at 6:30. Free event.
• Dancer Julia Chacon explains and demonstrates the rhythmic communication and traditional melodic structure that allows for intuitive improvisation in flamenco.

Spanish Religious Imagery in Mission San Xavier del Bac

• On February 18, 2015 at 6:30 pm.
• Join art conservator Matilde Rubio Barroso for an intimate evening at the Honorary Consulate of Spain to learn about the history behind the design and architecture of Tucson’s Mission San Xavier del Bac. Refreshments will be served. The event is free but space is limited; RSVP at [email protected].

‘Modernization’ and (Anti)modern Woman in Franco’s Spain

• On February 19, 2015 at 6:30 pm. Free event.
• 1968’s Patriarchal Paradox in Film and Posters. Join ASU doctoral student Daniel Holcombe as he examines the cinematic construction of the Spanish modern woman in scenes and images from the 1968 Spanish film Cristina Guzmán.

Queering Spain: The Photography of David Trullo

• On February 19, 2015 at 6:30 pm. Free event.
• Join Dr. Foster as he presents images of this important revisionist queer imaginary in Spain by focusing on the photography of David Trullo.

Spain Through the Eyes of American Artists

• On March 12, 2015 at 6:30 pm. Free event.
• Join Professor Carmen de Urioste as she explores Spain and Spanish cultures through the eyes of American artists, including writers (Washington Irving, John Dos Passos, Ernest Hemingway), photographers (W. Eugene Smith, Harry Randall) and filmmakers (Anthony Mann, James P. Hogan, George Marshall, Woody Allen).

History of Flamenco Costume

• On March 17, 2015 at 6:30 pm. Free event.
• Tradition, innovation and trends contribute to the evolution of flamenco dress and costume every season. Join dancer Yumi La Rosa to learn fun and insightful information about the history and innovation behind flamenco costume.

Pastries from Spain at Dayton Fowler Grafman Atrium

• On March 29, 2015 at 1 and 3 pm. Free event. RSVP: call 480-874-4638.
• Co-owner of Dolce Meridiano, María José Barona, will demonstrate how to make traditional recipes from Spain including Tarta de Santiago (1:00 pm) and Coquitos (3:00 pm). A tasting will complete the demonstration. This event occurs during OrigiNation: A Festival of Native Cultures.

OrigiNation: A Festival of Native Cultures at Scottsdale Civic Center Park

• On March 29, 2015, from noon to 4 pm.
• The culmination of the Discovery Series, this festival celebrates indigenous cultures of Arizona, Spain and Portugal in an afternoon of entertainment and interactive experiences. Visitors enjoy music, dance and stories by Portuguese band Ramana Vieira Quintet, Spanish-style dance company Inspiración Flamenca and special guest Yolanda Tsosie of the Dinė Nation; arts-and-crafts by local artists; creative art stations for kids and families; and native-inspired foods and beverages featuring Pepin and Dolce Meridano.

Flamenco and Sophocles at Virginia G. Piper Theater

• On April 25, 2015 at 7:30 pm.
• Noche Flamenca Artistic Director Martin Santangelo gives a preshow talk about his company’s theatrical flamenco interpretation of the text and themes in the Sophocles’ classic play Antigona.

Soledad Barrio and Noche Flamenca: Antigona

• From Friday, April 24 to Saturday, Apr 25, 2015 at 8 pm at Virginia G. Piper Theater. Buy tickets.
• Under the direction of Martín Santangelo, the award-winning Noche Flamenca has become Spain’s most successful touring dance company. Formed in 1993 by Santangelo and his Bessie award-winning wife, Soledad Barrio, the company regularly tours throughout the globe and has been hailed for its transcendent and deeply emotional performances. Antigona is an evening-length theatrical flamenco interpretation of the text and themes in Sophocles’ classic story of strength and sacrifice.