Copla: a Spanish Cabaret

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 show addresses themes like the translation of musicals, living away from one’s homeland, queer reinterpretation of songs and the negotiation of cultural identities.

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.

Lost in Theatreland

North West End

Intercultural Dialogue Award, International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival:

'Delicious: a real cultural learning. It’s a joy to be a part of Copla. Not just a form of entertainment; it is a reconciling of identities, and of finding a cultural home. With candour and sincerity, Postigo manages to both educate and entertain simultaneously. If you had asked me what copla was before arriving, I would have shrugged; now I consider myself Postigo’s latest convert.'