The Copla Cabaret

‘The Copla Cabaret’ is a dynamic and provocative show exploring the passion and subversion of Spanish Copla in English. Experience a night of queer history, comedy, music and drag. Copla is a genre of music that was once repressed under Franco’s dictatorship in Spain, but in 21st century England, Dr Copla is bringing it back to life with a fresh twist that will have you laughing, singing along and tapping your feet.
Copla songs channel the queer and migrant experiences in Spain’s early musicals. Copla served as political tool against repression – first under dictatorship, and later for Spanish LGBTQ communities. Through audience participation the show addresses themes like the translation of musicals, living away from one’s homeland, queer reinterpretation of songs and the negotiation of multiple identities.
In this solo performance, Dr Copla Alejandro Postigo de-constructs the traditional Spanish songs and shares their historical significance for queer collectives, inviting the audience to be part of the dialogue. Through his interpretation of these songs and his sharing of his life stories, you’ll witness his rebirth as alter ego La Gitana, all with a drink in hand and lots of interaction.