The Real thing: Israel Galván's flamenco revolution

Acclaimed flamenco dancer Israel Galván’s most recent work, Lo Real (The Real), is perhaps his most controversial and poignant to date.

Inspired by the Antony and the Johnsons song Hitler In My Heart, this expressive piece tells the story of the Nazi persecution of Roma and Sinti people during the Holocaust.

A fusion of flamenco, experimental dance and live music, the show sparked outrage amongst flamenco traditionalists at its world premiere in Madrid and has since galvanised Galván’s reputation as a rule-breaker.

In this film Galván describes the significance of Lo Real - both as a celebration of his freedom as a flamenco dancer and reconciliation with his dark and disturbing past.

Lo Real played at the Festival Theatre in August as part of the Edinburgh International Festival.