Spanish flamenco dancer Maria Juncal will perform in Tel Aviv on November 4, marking a return to Israel a century after her great-great-grandfather, guitarist Miguel Borrull Castelló, passed away. The event, titled "Una mirada" (A Different Perspective), will take place at the Arison Hall, 7 Saadia Gaon Street, due to renovations at the Suzanne Dellal Centre, which has traditionally hosted her performances.
Juncal, a sixth-generation member of the Borrull family known for their flamenco heritage, carries forward a legacy rooted in the art’s purest forms. Her great-grand-aunt Julia Borrull, immortalized in the 1917 painting Alegrias by Julio Romero de Torres, is among her distinguished ancestors. Juncal has devoted her career to sharing flamenco worldwide, currently based in Mexico City where she opened a tablao flamenco venue and continues to tour internationally.
Her performance in Tel Aviv comes against the backdrop of ongoing regional tensions, yet Juncal has maintained a presence in Israel over recent years. The show will feature local flamenco musicians, including guitarist Piti de Triana, vocalists Yael Horwitz and Miriam Levy, and percussionist Itay Asterchan. Additional Israeli artists involved in the production include costume designer Alejandro Ponce, photographers Nico Kremenchusky and Ika and Ana Iturbide, designer and digital media specialist Tal Gershon, sound engineer Dudi Bali, and lighting technician Alexi Merchasin.
Juncal, who trained at the Amor de Dios academy in Madrid—regarded as a key institution for flamenco—has received multiple awards, including official recognition in Cabo for her contributions to the art form. She describes flamenco as the source of joy in both her happiest and saddest moments, emphasizing the emotional depth that underpins her performances.
Speaking ahead of the show, Juncal reflected on the challenges of recent years, highlighting the importance of maintaining “enthusiasm, strength, and vigor.” She also discussed the complexity of how the Israeli conflict is perceived abroad, noting that in Spain the issue is often marked by misunderstanding and distant interpretation. She suggested that some public reactions amount to performance rather than genuine engagement, while those seeking common ground proceed with caution and thoughtfulness.
Regarding "A Different Perspective," Juncal expressed particular appreciation for the collaborative nature of the project, which brings together Israeli artists who share a deep affinity for flamenco. She described the creative process as dynamic, with each performance evolving through the unique interpretations of all involved.
The event is scheduled to begin at 8:30 p.m. Tickets and additional information are available through the Suzanne Dellal Centre and Silvia Baro Productions.