Copla: A Spanish Cabaret

14-26 Jan 25 | The Other Palace | London

Copla, practically unknown in England, is essential to Spain’s cultural and political history. Copla songs channel the queer and migrant experiences in Spain’s early musicals, hitting all the right notes for gay people who love to laugh and cry to divas and their melodramatic music.

Copla once served as political tool against repression – first under Franco’s dictatorship, and later for Spanish LGBTQ communities. This cabaret show celebrates queer migrant identity and exposes its pitfalls: living away from one’s homeland, translating musicals loved while in childhood, reinterpreting queer-loved songs, and self-negotiating foreignness.

Queer migrant performer Alejandro Postigo de-constructs the traditional Spanish songs and shares their historical significance for queer collectives, inviting the audience to be part of the dialogue. Through his performance of English Copla and sharing his life stories, you’ll witness his rebirth as alter ego La Gitana, with live music, a drink in hand and lots of interaction.

ON 19 & 25 JANUARY JOIN TARDES DE COPLA:

Sun 19 January at 4.45pm:

A 45-minute roundtable discussion with scholars Alberto Mira and Rafael Peñas. Hosted by Alejandro Postigo & Violeta Valladares.

Sat 25 January at 5.45pm:

A 45-minute roundtable discussion with scholar Lidia García. Hosted by Alejandro Postigo & Violeta Valladares.

Wed 22 January:

A 10-minute performance by queer migrant organization The Love Tank, following the show that night.