Flamenco show dramatizes the journey of the Three Kings

National Institute of Flamenco is prepping its Christmas-theme production for the fifth time.

Though it’s a little routine, there’s a lot more work these days.

“Doing this production is a big change for us,” says Joaquin Encinias, NIF artistic director. “This is our ‘Nutcracker’-type of production and it’s been really a chance for us to expand our repertoire.”

Beginning on Friday, Dec. 16, and running through Sunday, Dec. 18, NIF presents “La Estrella: A Flamenco Journey of the Kings’ Quest.” The events will take place at Rodey Theatre on the University of New Mexico campus.

Encinias says “La Estrella” dramatizes the journey of the three kings.

The production is based on the 12th century mystery play “Auto de los Tres Reyes Magos” – the earliest known play in Spanish.

The show features flamenco dance and music, villancicos (Christmas carols), Spanish regional dances, escuela bolera, African dance and Las Posadas.

Encinias says there are musicians as well as a large cast of students from the Conservatory of Flamenco Arts and Tierra Adentro Charter School. In all, there will be just under 100 performers in the piece.

“We’re talking about all types of professionals in this production,” Encinias says. “It’s a huge undertaking. This story is important at this time because it’s truly a Christmas story. This story is told throughout Hispanic cultures. Día de los Reyes is bigger in some areas than Christmas is.”

Encinias says he finds peace through the production because it makes him wonder what it was like to follow the star.

“These kings were in touch with celestial things,” he says. “I really identify with this story of these men who led groups of people to follow the star.”

Encinias and the dancers have been rehearsing for a few months for “La Estrella.”

Productions like these give Encinias the opportunity to not only share the stage with his students, but his children as well.

He has three adult children who have followed in the family tradition of flamenco.

“Sometimes I’m on stage with them and I take a moment to think how special that another generation of dancers is on stage,” he says. “I’m humbled many times to still get those opportunities to dance with my children.”

‘La Estrella: A Flamenco Journey of the Kings’ Quest’

WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, and Saturday, Dec. 17; 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18

WHERE: Rodey Theatre, University of New Mexico campus

HOW MUCH: $25-$35, plus fees, at unmtickets.com

Did you know?

In Mexico, Día de Los Reyes Magos (known elsewhere as Epiphany) is celebrated on Jan. 6 to honor the Three Wise Men, also called the Three Kings.

This holiday represents the day the Three Wise Men – Los Tres Reyes Magos, gave gifts to Jesus Christ, and the day closes the Christmas festivities.

Children in Latin America and Spain receive the majority of their gifts from the Three Kings, rather than from Santa Claus at Christmas. Before going to bed, the children place their old shoes with a wish list on top for the Three Kings. In the morning, the shoes are filled with toys and gifts from the Three Kings.