SELF PORTRAIT

WE Carry stories in our bodies.

Step inside the world of the dance studio, where movement, memory and identity intertwine. 

Self Portrait is a “live portrait” of award-winning dancer and choreographer Annalouise Paul, who shares stories of her Sephardi (Jewish Spanish) ancestry and invites the audience into the intimate space where her art and ancestry meet.

Through contemporary flamenco, song and story, Self Portrait blends themes of migration, memory and identity, unveiling the existence of multiple cultural affinities and the many layers of life’s experiences passed down to each of us.

Rich in music, movement and meaning, the inner life of the dancer is expressed through humour, wit and curiosity, revealing the deeply hidden histories of Jewish flamenco and reflecting on and how art and DNA collide in powerful, unexpected ways.

JEWISH FLAMENCO..?

Yes! Jewish and flamenco cultures are inextricably linked and share a history from time of the expulsion of the Sephardim from Spain and Portugal until present day. The Spanish Inquisition and 1492 expulsion created rupture for diasporic peoples, following centuries of forced conversions, dispossession and secrecy. Deep connections of Sephardi culture; liturgy, music, rituals, wisdom, mysticism and lore enmeshed within flamenco and its people.

In fact, Paco De Lucia, Spain’s greatest flamenco guitarist, said “I discovered some Sephardic scores and I was able to see there, the great influence that this music has on flamenco. I used to think it was more Arab, but I'm almost certain that flamenco we do today is profoundly affected by the music of the Toledo Jews of that time.”

Learn about this unique research in interviews in the Australian Jewish News and The Jewish Independent. More coming, stay tuned.

Bondi PAVIlion THEATRE

Self Portrait exists at a difficult moment in time, now embedded in Australia’s psyche and history forever.

With deep respect to the victims of the Bondi Beach terror attack, we would like to honour them and their families with a post-show tribute and talk session that everyone can share in. The work-in-progress shows will be presented at the Bondi Pavilion Theatre supported in part by Waverley Council’s Local Creative Collaborations Program.

3 June 2026 at 7:30 PM

4 June 2026 at 11:00 AM

SUPPORT THE ARTISTS!

If you’d like to support the work-in-progress season, we are raising funds for artist fees and production costs. Your support will assist in the creation of this timely and important work. Your gifts small and large are highly appreciated. Thank you! Tax deductible donations can be made via the Australian Cultural Fund