Casa Carmen del Arte Flamenco is the a recent addition to Seville's live performance scene. Located in a 19th century former residence in the Arenal quarter of Seville, the venue includes a performance area with a small stage, high ceilings, and a full bar. The smaller, more intimate setting offers seating very close to the performers. Depending on the season there are one to two performances per night, featuring a mix of touring and regular artists.  Carmen, the founder, wanted to offer a less expensive alternative to the tablaos in Seville.  While the performances are shorter in length we find the quality of the shows to be excellent.

Those who frequent the tablaos will recognize many of the same dancers who come to Casa Carmen to improvise, in what are generally more spontaneous and less choreographed performances.  The performances and artists change almost daily.  At the beginning of each show the audience is addressed and the type of performance is explained in Spanish and English. 

Our visit to Casa Carmen was wonderful, as we arrived early and got seats at the front.  With a drink from the bar just before the show started we watched Inma Luna perform.  We had seen her just a few weeks earlier in El Patio Sevillano, a larger venue, so it was a different experience to see her up close, and in a show which was more free form.  Guitarist Mariano Campallo and singer Emilio Cabello played the entire show and are regulars at Casa Carmen.


Back| to Seville flamenco shows