The show, with artistic direction by Marcos Morau, is inspired by the photography of Ruven Afanador and will be performed on Saturday, August 5th, and Sunday, August 6th, in the Symphonic Hall. The production features over 30 dancers and has received nine awards between 2024 and 2025, establishing itself as a benchmark in Spanish dance.
Marcos Morau explained that the work draws inspiration from the books Ángel gitano and Mil besos, as well as from Afanador's photographic sessions, noting that the photographer views flamenco through a surreal lens. Dramatist Roberto Fratini added that the piece aims to reflect Afanador's perspective when contemplating his models.
'Afanador' has garnered numerous accolades, including Best Spanish Dance and Flamenco Choreography at the 2024 Godot Awards and Best Choreography at the 2024 Critics' Awards for Performing Arts of Catalonia for Marcos Morau, Shay Partush, Jon López, and Miguel Ángel Corbacho.
At the 2025 Max Awards, the production secured five awards: Best Dance Production, Best Stage Direction for Marcos Morau, Best Lighting Design for Bernat Jansá, Best Costume Design for Silvia Delagneau, and Best Musical Composition for a Stage Production for Juan Cristóbal Saavedra, Enrique Bermúdez, Jonathan Bermúdez, Gabriel Georgio González, and Roberto Vozmediano. The Talía Awards, presented by the Spanish Academy of Performing Arts, recognized it with awards for Best Dance Production and Best Choreography.
The National Ballet of Spain, founded in 1978 and led by Rubén Olmo since 2019, is the leading public company for Spanish dance. It is part of the production units of the National Institute of Performing Arts and Music (INAEM), under the Ministry of Culture and Sport.
The BNE's mission is to preserve, disseminate, and transmit Spain's rich choreographic heritage, encompassing its stylistic diversity and traditions, including academic, stylized, folklore, bolera, and flamenco forms. It also aims to attract new audiences and promote its national and international projection with full artistic and creative autonomy.
Tickets are priced at 15 euros, with a 5 euro rate for those under 30. They can be purchased on the auditorium's website, at the box office during specified hours, or by phone. Discounts are available for students, job seekers, and large families.
