Vault to Screen: Carmen Amaya and Flamenco

Programmed in conjunction with the exhibition Sargent and Spain, two archival film titles celebrate the revolutionary and influential career of Spanish Romani flamenco dancer and singer Carmen Amaya (1913-1963). Born in Barcelona, Catalonia, Amaya’s incredible skill and command of flamenco steps usually reserved for male performers was celebrated on stage and screen. Her extraordinary performances in Maria de la O and Los Tarantos echo the spirit of Sargent’s painted dancers and bracket Amaya’s all-too-short cinematic legacy. With thanks to KJ Mohr, Filmoteca Española, and Filmoteca da Catalunya.