Paco Pena

Quimeras: Paco Pena

Legendary guitarist, composer, dramatist and producer Paco Peña presents his 2010 work Quimeras, directed by Southbank Centre artistic director Jude Kelly. Exploring the lure of travel and the dream of a better life, Quimeras tells the story of a group of migrants who have come to Spain from Africa in search
of work.

Over a career spanning more than four decades, Peña has expanded the possibilities of flamenco and changed perceptions of the art form by mining the richness of its traditions while continuing to be inspired by contemporary culture. With Quimeras, he draws on his own experience of living in Andalusia, a gateway to Europe for many North African immigrants. The result is a marriage of both traditional Spanish and African music and dance, creating a spectacle of virtuosic performances and intimate storytelling.