Auditorio de Tenerife Hosts Premiere of Antonia Mercé Dance Revival Project
The Auditorio de Tenerife will host the national premiere of an "artistic archaeology" project directed by Antonio Najarro, reviving the legendary works of dancer Antonia Mercé, "La Argentina."
The Canary Islands are currently playing a key role in reviving historical performing arts. This Saturday at 7:30 p.m., the Auditorio de Tenerife will host the final performance of a project dedicated to the legendary dancer Antonia Mercé, known as "La Argentina." This national premiere is more than just a performance; it is an "artistic archaeology" project that explores the landscape of Spanish modernity in 1929.
Directed by Antonio Najarro, the production is the result of a major collaboration between several prestigious institutions, including the Juan March Foundation, the Teatro de la Zarzuela, the Teatro de la Maestranza, the Granada International Festival of Music and Dance, and the Palau de les Arts in Valencia. The show transports audiences back to a time when Mercé brought Spanish dance to the international stage, blending traditional styles with the avant-garde movements of her era.
The performance features the revival of two foundational ballets: Juerga by Julián Bautista and Triana by Isaac Albéniz. To ensure historical accuracy, the creative team recreated the original stage designs by Néstor Martín-Fernández de la Torre, with a fresh interpretation by Tenerife-born designer Yaiza Pinillos. Directed by Carolina África, the show features thirteen dancers accompanied by the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Manuel Coves, with guitarist Sohta Nakabayashi.
This project highlights the importance of preserving dance history, allowing modern audiences to experience an aesthetic that once bridged the gap between popular tradition and European modernism. Tickets are available through the Auditorio de Tenerife’s official website for 15 euros, with a discounted rate of 5 euros for those under 30.