Lola Flores – ‘La Faraona’ (‘The Pharaoh’)
I thought of the novel today as I watched this video of Lola
Flores and Celia Cruz performing 'Burundanga' on stage in 1991.
What strikes me gloriously is the proud and almost defiant presentation
of sexuality by Lola Flores. It does not look absurd as it is within a certain
Spanish cultural context, and within the gypsy tradition she identified with in
her Andalusian folkloric singing and film career.
I’d seen Celia Cruz in concert here in Sydney
some years back. Towards the end of the event ended, the audience excitedly
stormed the stage to dance with abandon round the still singing Queen of Salsa.
Lola Flores however had never passed across my radar … till
yesterday. Better late than never as this sixty-eight year old gal can really dance
up a serious storm, though her best singing day are long gone.
I hope you find the performance gives you the big
exhilarating shot in the arm it did me!