For his first collaboration with the Ballet Nacional de España, Marcos Morau presents Afanador, the opening performance of the 40th Romaeuropa Festival, celebrating 160 years of diplomatic relations between Italy and Spain. This extraordinary encounter between dance and photography, tradition and avant-garde, is inspired by the books Ángel Gitano and Mil Besos and by Ruvén Afanador’s iconic photo sessions in Andalusia. Afanador is rooted in the unique alchemy between the renowned photographer—famous for transforming fashion, portraiture, and dance into dreamlike, surreal visions—and flamenco legends such as Israel Galván, Matilde Coral, Eva Yerbabuena, José Antonio and Rubén Olmo. With his highly expressive and theatrical aesthetic, Afanador has redefined the imagery of flamenco, revealing its mystical, timeless beauty. Fascinated by this vision, Morau, alongside 33 dancers and nine musicians, translates Afanador’s photographs into movement and music, shaping them into a surreal, visionary choreographic universe. «Afanador’s Andalusian photo sessions are unparalleled; the chemistry between the photographer and flamenco’s charismatic figures is one of a kind, – says Morau. He sees flamenco through a distorted lens of dreams, desire, and memory.». Afanador pays tribute to a great artist and a significant chapter in Spanish tradition and international dance history through dance, photography, and music.
Marcos Morau
Trained between Barcelona and New York in photography, movement, and theater, Marcos Morau (Valencia, 1982) creates imaginary worlds where movement and image merge. Graduating with honors from Institut del Teatre in Barcelona, he also studied photography and dramaturgy, earning a Master’s in Dramaturgy Theory. For over a decade, he has directed La Veronal, shaping choreography, scenography, costumes, and lighting. His work has been showcased in over 30 countries, including venues like Théâtre National de Chaillot, Venice Biennale, Festival d’Avignon, and Sadler’s Wells in London. Beyond La Veronal, he collaborates with top companies such as Nederlands Dans Theater, Lyon Opera Ballet, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, and the Royal Danish Ballet. He is the youngest recipient of Spain’s National Dance Award and has won accolades like the FAD Sebastià Gasch and Italy’s Danza&Danza award. Since 2024, he has been an associate artist at Staatsballett Berlin, premiering annual creations. Additionally, he has been appointed as an associate artist at Triennale Milano Teatro for the 2025-2027 period. He also teaches at institutions like Institut del Teatre and Sorbonne Nouvelle. His future embraces new formats blending opera, dance, and physical theater, while La Veronal remains a key presence in major international festivals.
The Ballet Nacional de España (BNE)
Led by Rubén Olmo since 2019, has been Spain’s national dance company since its foundation in 1978, with Antonio Gades as its first director. It operates under the INAEM, part of the Ministry of Culture and Sports. The BNE’s mission is to preserve, promote, and transmit Spain’s rich choreographic heritage, embracing its diverse styles: academic dance, stylized dance, folklore, escuela bolera, and flamenco. It fosters new audiences and expands internationally while maintaining artistic independence. The current strategic plan balances traditional repertoire preservation with contemporary creation, welcoming innovative choreographers and artists. It also offers training workshops to enhance professional skills. To increase accessibility, the BNE alternates large productions with experimental performances, ensuring financial sustainability and fostering collaborations between public and private institutions. It has also engaged with the fashion industry, educational programs, and projects such as the book and video game Bailando un Tesoro. Recognized with prestigious national and international awards, the BNE has won the Critics’ Award for Best Foreign Show (1988, Metropolitan New York), the Jerez Festival Audience Award (2018), and the Extraordinary Performing Arts Award (2010) from the Festival del Cante de las Minas for its contribution to flamenco.
Idea and artistic direction: Marcos Morau
Choreography: Marcos Morau & La Veronal
Lorena Nogal
Shay Partush
Jon López
Miguel Ángel Corbacho
Dramaturgy: Roberto Fratini
Set design: Max Glaenzel
Set design: Mambo Decorados y May Servicios para Espectáculos
Costume design: Silvia Delagneau
Costume design: Iñaki Cobos
Musical composition: Juan Cristóbal Saavedra
Special collaboration: Maria Arnal
Music for Minera and Seguiriya: Enrique Bermúdez and Jonathan Bermudez
Lyrics Temporera, Trilla, Liviana, Bambera and Seguiriya: Gabriel de la Tomasa
Lighting design: Bernat Jansà
Design and electronic devices: José Luis Salmerón de la CUBE PEAK
Audiovisual design: Marc Salicrú
Photography: Ruven Afanador
Posticería: Carmela Cristóbal
Headdresses: JuanjoDex
Hairdressing advice: Manolo Cortes
Make-up advice: Roció Santana
Footwear: Gallardo
As part of the 160th anniversary of Italy-Spain diplomatic relations
Presented with the support of
