There is a particular kind of power in flamenco: one that can be expressed through a sharp strike of the foot, the sweep of a mantón, a moment of stillness, or the sudden release of rhythm.

In Mujeres – Empoderadas, Fundación Centro Flamenco channels that power into a tribute to women—their strength, grace and resilience, and their ability to transform struggle into something that can endure, inspire and uplift. Through music, dance and emotion, the production celebrates a feminine spirit shaped not only by joy, but also by courage, fear, resistance and transformation.

Laurencia’s monologue from the 17th-century Spanish play Fuenteovejuna opens the production, setting the tone for what follows: a progression through the darkness of Martinete, the pain and struggle of the Seguiriya, and the endurance of the Tarantos. At one point, voices remain concealed beneath the mantón, until the spirit begins to awaken.

The joy and freedom of the Alegrías emerge, followed by the strength and defiance of the Farruca. The production builds toward Planta 7, where women finally stand together, unafraid of their own power, before the company closes the evening with the exuberant energy of Bulerías por fiesta.

Mujeres – Empoderadas uses the form’s contrasting textures—rhythm and silence, restraint and fiery expression—to tell a story of women moving through adversity and emerging with greater agency.

It is a theme that finds a natural language in flamenco, an art form in which emotion can be both fiercely individual and profoundly communal.

Behind the production is Fundación Centro Flamenco, which has spent nearly three decades cultivating flamenco and Spanish dance in the Philippines.

Now in its 29th year, the foundation continues its mission of preserving and developing the country’s Spanish cultural heritage through flamenco while remaining open to contemporary styles and interpretations. It has also provided a space for local and international teachers, musicians and established flamenco artists to work with students and aspiring professionals in the Philippines.

That balance between tradition and evolution is reflected in Mujeres – Empoderadas. The production draws from flamenco forms with distinct emotional qualities, but brings them together under a contemporary thematic arc centered on the experiences, voices and inner strength of women.

The show is directed by actor and director Leo Rialp, with Emma Estrada, founder of Fundación Centro Flamenco, serving as artistic director. Choreographer, dance educator and artistic director Edmund Gaerlan joins the production as special guest.

A portion of ticket sales will be donated to Peace, Sis, a non-profit organization that seeks to reach underprivileged women experiencing depression and debilitating anxiety. The proceeds will help support assistance provided through LGU workers trained by the Philippine Mental Health Association.

Mujeres – Empoderadas will be staged at The Black Box , Proscenium at Rockwell on September 12, 2026, with both matinee and evening performances at 3pm and 8pm.

Each performance will begin with Centro Flamenco’s annual recital as Part 1, followed by Mujeres – Empoderadas as the main show in Part 2. 

Tickets are priced at ₱2,000, ₱2,500 and ₱3,000.