Sharon Sapienza

On March 13, a month after the death of producer, director and choreographer Sharon Sapienza, a Mass was held in the main church of Triana, Seville, her home for the past 20 years. It was packed with artists, colleagues, friends and dignitaries from the arts and education sector.

Afterwards, the director of the Teatro Central in Seville approached Sapien­za’s mother and Juan Vergillos, a prominent flamenco writer, aficionado and critic, and offered the theatre at no cost to hold a homenaje in her name – a heartfelt gesture to acknowledge her contribution to Spain’s cultural scene. The tribute is taking place on Wednesday, thanks to the input of a team that had colla­borated with Sapienza and has worked hard to put this event together over the past five months.

Juan Ogalla, who performed at the Manuel Theatre, Alicia Marquez, La Tremendita, Soraya Clavijo, Javier Latorre, Isabel Bayon – all big names in the flamenco scene, who had a significant role in her life and had worked with her for a long time – have been invited to participate.

“It was a hard choice, given that Sharon had worked with so many artists,” said Francesca Grima, who is involved in the tribute as artistic coordinator and will be performing a siguiriyas, dedicated to Sapienza.

The show also includes the participation of Matilde Coral, Sa­pienza’s first teacher and mentor in Spain, as well as extracts from her latest and most significant production Mudanzas Boleras, which will be brought to the Manoel Theatre in February, subject to sponsor­ship, on the anniversary of her death.

Family, friends, journalists, government dignitaries and members of important flamenco institutions will be among the audience, and some Maltese are also flying over, such is the enthusiasm to honour Sapienza.

The homage is being organised to keep her name alive and recognise her efforts, accomplishments and contribution to flamenco and her passion for the art form, said Ms Grima.

Through her company, Sonakay Productions, Sapienza placed flamenco in the most prominent theatres, events and festivals around the globe, working with top artists.

Mudanzas Boleras participated in the Bienal de Flamenco and Festival de Jerez last year, while Sapienza also set up an important festival, Larachi Flamenco, which was held annually over the past 12 years in Seville, Paris and Malaga.

“All this she did until the age of 38 – a truly remarkable accomplishment. She was optimistic, hard-working, strong-willed and an incredible fighter, who would never take no for an answer. And yet she had a heart of gold and would spend hours listening and offering advice to her artists or friends,” Ms Grima said.

“Everyone in the audience and on stage on the night of her homage is aware of what a great loss Sharon has been to us all and it will be a way for us to thank her and pay her our respects.”