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Donostia-San Sebastian.  The Basque community in Argentina will have a short opportunity to enjoy one of the most prominent Basque dance groups in Euskal Herria, thanks to Kukai’s long tour of the country in August and September.  The company from Gipuzkoa has more than 10 years of experience and is known for its choreographies and contemporary dance shows, but always starting from a solid traditional Basque dance base.   

The group choreographed by Jon Maya will present two shows in Argentina as part of their tour organized in collaboration with the Argentine Ministry of Culture with support from the Etxepare Basque Institute.  In Buenos Aires they will perform "Komunikazioa-Inkomunikazioa,” with three dates at the Regio Theater (August 22, 23 and 24).  This is Kukai’s fourth work in collaboration with the Ttanttaka Theater Company, a show based on the work of Basque signing myth, Mikel Laboa, that gathers dantzaris, actors and musicians on stage.  

Afterwards, the group will present a second show, “Gelajauziak,” in various Argentinean cities. Gelajauziak was created in collaboration with Catalan choreographer Cesc Gelavert.  Dates and cities follow: Tucuman (August 27^th), Salta (29), Jujuy (31), Corrientes (September 3^rd), Resistencia (4), Parana (6) and Santa Fe (7). 

GELAJAUZIAK from Kukai Dantza Konpainia on Vimeo.

Invitation to Basque clubs 

Kukai has a close relationship with the Basque Diaspora, and during its international tours it has performed at various Basque clubs.  “In Argentina, for example, we have been there twice for the National Basque Week in Villa Maria and in Bahia Blanca.  At first we organized more tours in collaboration with Basque clubs, but lately we have moved more to the theater and performing arts circuit,” Maya explains to EuskalKultura.com.

Nevertheless, the group hasn’t forgotten the intensity with which the Diaspora lives Basque dance, and is always ready to collaborate with Basque clubs.  “That is what we did, for example, in 2012 in Quebec; we were invited to a dance festival but we took advantage of being there to organize a performance at the Basque club,” he said. 

The company has also invited interested Basque clubs to get in touch with them and study the possibility of organizing an additional performance or dance workshop.  Interested persons can contact them via email: dantza@kukai.info.