The Real Alcázar of Seville will host the premiere of 'Fauno' on 16 and 17 October at 21:00 hours. This ambitious symphonic lyrical ballet, which integrates dance, orchestral music, singing, and drama, has been conceived and created in Seville.
The event will take place in the Patio de la Montería, one of the most distinctive heritage sites in the city, providing a unique backdrop for this artistic proposal. Juan Bueno, vice president of the Real Alcázar's board, emphasised that the venue is not only a significant cultural symbol of Seville but also a vibrant space open to contemporary culture and creation. He stated, “With 'Fauno', we take another step towards transforming our heritage into a stage for major artistic proposals. We want the people of Seville to be at the forefront of a high-level artistic creation that originates in our city and finds the perfect setting in the Real Alcázar to project itself to the world.”
'Fauno' features music and lyrics by Manuel Marvizón Carvallo, inspired by the story 'El Fauno Encendido o los Sueños de Laura' by Francisco Infante Florido, with adaptation and dramatization by José Antonio Francés. The musical direction will be led by Francisco Javier Gutiérrez Juan, while the choreography and the lead role of the Fauno will be performed by Sergio Bernal, a prominent figure in Spanish dance with international acclaim. The cast includes Miriam Mendoza as Laura, José Manuel Benítez as Rafael, and María Gómez as Carmen. Vocal performances will feature soprano Rocío Ignacio as Laura, tenor Andrés Sánchez Joglar as Rafael, and Esperanza Garrido as the flamenco voice of Carmen. The Fauno's voice will be supported by the choir of the Asociación Amigos del Teatro Maestranza.
Bueno also highlighted that the choice of the Real Alcázar as the venue for 'Fauno' reflects an artistic vision where heritage becomes an integral part of the narrative rather than just a backdrop. He noted, “The architecture of the Patio de la Montería will interact with a story intertwining myth, nature, and reality. The monumental space thus becomes a key element of the dramaturgy.”
The narrative follows Laura and Rafael, two young lovers whose fate changes when Laura ventures into the Fauno's territory and drinks from a cursed spring. This act triggers a conflict characterised by desire, temptation, and the struggle between the Fauno's allure and Rafael's love, with Carmen acting as a protective figure and guide. The production explores universal themes such as love, desire, guilt, sacrifice, forgiveness, and redemption, through a score that blends symphonic tradition with elements of Andalusian and flamenco culture from a contemporary perspective.
Juan Bueno remarked, “This production also demonstrates that our heritage can engage with contemporary creation and become a space for artistic proposals capable of transcending our borders. Seville has an extraordinary ability to unite heritage, culture, and creation. 'Fauno' embodies this combination: an artistically ambitious work, a unique space in the world, and a city that continues to show it is ready to host and generate top-level culture.”
To involve the local community in this premiere, the Real Alcázar will offer 1,000 free invitations to residents of Seville, with 500 available for each of the two performances. These invitations will be exclusively for individuals born or residing in Seville and will be nominal and personal, meaning each ticket will be linked to the identity of its holder.
Invitations for the performance on Friday, 16 October, can be collected on Monday, 12 October, from 18:00 at the box office of the Real Alcázar. For the performance on Saturday, 17 October, invitations will be available from Tuesday, 13 October, at the same time and location. Each invitation will grant access solely to the corresponding performance and date.
Bueno concluded, “We want this opportunity to reach the people of Seville so they can enjoy an exceptional show in an equally exceptional place. The Real Alcázar belongs to all Sevillians, and our responsibility is to continue making this heritage a living, accessible space linked to culture.” With 'Fauno', the Real Alcázar further solidifies its role as a cultural dissemination space and a venue for significant events, balancing the protection and enhancement of heritage with programming that attracts national and international creators and artists.
