Flamenco A3

David Coria, Flavio Rodrigues and Pedro Obregon start as they mean to go on: loudly, strongly and unabashedly theatrically.

In Flamenco A3 they draw on the art's essentials as dancer, guitarist and singer, respectively, to create a show based on sheer performance and passion.

Coria begins, heels hammering, the short noise rippling out like a ticking bomb as he builds the tension. This is swiftly followed by a beautiful guitar solo, a rush of notes carefully picked out as Rodrigues’s fingers run up and down the frets before pausing to ease into a chord, scraping the notes out. And finally Obregon takes his turn, his husky tones choking out a lament in classic flamenco style.

The trio move seamlessly from one song to another. In sync, they are each masterful in their control and unwavering in their performance. Coria must be commended for his attack and intensity. He explodes on stage, filling the space with lightning fast turns and a taconeo – rhythmic heel work – that claps like thunder.

However it is not until half way through that any real change in dynamic is apparent, when the impressive but loud and battering dance makes way for a soulful and intimate moment with the guitar. It doesn’t last long though as this soft side is soon pushed aside in favour of more brawn and machismo.

In the face of an ever changing Spain, old traditions are finding new expression and this men-only trio reveals a side of flamenco rarely shown on its own. However, while Flamenco A3 is performed with youthful exuberance, Coria, Rodrigues and Obregon do little to push the boundaries of what it means to be male in an art traditionally shared by both sexes. But one thing is apparent on stage: these men live and breathe their art and they are in love with flamenco. And showing off.