By Lucy Komisar

Tango is so iconic that sometimes productions say they are doing tango when it appears not quite so. At least what those of us not aware of changes in the dance believe. “Los Guardiola” is a case. This is today’s tango. Because tango has gone beyond the classic steps to infuse modern dance. And drama. And I liked it!

The characters in this production are like little dolls. He in top hat. A lady with white suitcase. A conductor and a maid. Often charming, but not the tango I expected. Two characters are knifing each other and in the end they fall.

This takes tango way beyond the tradition, though when you think about it, it is still class-based. And women suffer at the hands of men with more power.

The pictures show the drama.

The choreographer Giorgia Marchiori and the director Marcelo Guardiola are the performers. I was charmed and fascinated by their dance stories. And the steps of course are classic. So, this is today’s tango! And since relations between the sexes are still evolving, why not? Tango is as relevant as ever! Los Guardiola reflects that brilliantly.

Los Guardiola. Argentine National Academy of Tango. Choreography Giorgia Marchiori, director Marcelo Guardiola. Essaïon-Avignon Théâtre, 33, rue de la Carreterie, Avignon. Runtime 1hr20min. July 3 to July 21, 2024. Festival OFF Avignon.