Festival DANCE
THIS IS BRASIL Music, dance and football that can’t be beaten
T heir World Cup exit may have dampened the spirits of Brazil’s residents, but as audiences will witness this August, triumphing over adversity is in the country’s DNA.
Led by Brazilian singing sensation Magary Lord, This is Brasil – The Show brings together live music, capoeira, dance and a sporting phenomenon known as freestyle football, this time featuring actual world champions. ‘It’s always inspiring to see how much talent there is in the simplest, most underprivileged areas of the world,’ says producer Toby Gough, who has been rehearsing the show in Rio de Janeiro. ‘The cast and musicians are coming to Edinburgh with a passion, to escape the World Cup blues and remind everyone that they’re still the kings and queens of carnival.’
The performers will do their best to conjure up the sunshine, favela spirit and beautiful nature of their homeland – but to help them along, Gough has commissioned filmmakers to take audiences on a journey to Brazil (including a bird’s-eye view of the new Maracanã stadium shot from a helicopter). ‘It’s all set to some stunning film projections that provide the visual backdrop,’ says Gough. ‘We went to Rio and Salvador to work with the cast, so audiences can see the world that these performers come from – and then see them on the stage in Edinburgh in front of their eyes.’ (Kelly Apter)
Pleasance Courtyard, 556 6550, 2–25 Aug (not 12), 8pm, £13.50–£17 (£11–£15). Previews 30 Jul–1 Aug, £8.
For more info go to LIST.CO.UK /FESTIVAL
HITLIST THE BEST DANCE EVENTS
✽ Circa: Beyond The Australian circus troupe who see things differently are
back after 2013’s incredible Wunderkammer. See review, next issue. Underbelly, Bristo Square, 0844 545 8252, 2–25 Aug (not 6, 12, 20), 7pm, £16.50–£18.50 (£15.50–£17.50). Previews 30 Jul–1 Aug, £12 (£11).
✽ Black Grace New Zealand’s foremost contemporary dance company makes
its Fringe debut, with works rich in Samoan heritage. See preview, page 52. Assembly Roxy, 623 3030, 2–22 Aug, 7.20pm, £14–£15 (£13–£14). Previews 30 Jul–1 Aug, £10.
✽ This is Brasil – The Show Experience the real Brazil, through samba, capoeira,
freestyle football and incredible music. See preview, left. Pleasance Courtyard, 556 6550, 2–25 Aug (not 12), 8pm, £13.50–£17 (£11– £15). Previews 30 Jul–1 Aug, £8.
✽ Lenka Vagnerová & Company: Riders The star of the Czech Republic’s
contemporary dance scene brings her dynamic work to Edinburgh. See feature at list.co.uk/ festival. Zoo Southside, 662 6892, 3–10 Aug, 5pm, £12 (£10). Previews 1 & 2 Aug, £10.
✽ Brazouka Brazil’s fast-paced dance sensation lambazouk burns up the stage. See feature at list.co.uk/festival. Assembly Hall, 623 3030, 2–25 Aug (not 11, 18),
5.30pm, £18–£19 (£15–£16). Previews 31 Jul & 1 Aug, £12.
✽ Missing Powerful duet from Dublin’s
CoisCéim Dance Theatre, about the torment of a loved one going missing. See preview, page 54. Dance Base, 225 5525, 2–24 Aug (not 4, 11, 18), 6pm, £8–£10 (£6–£8). Preview 1 Aug, £8 (£6).
31 Jul–7 Aug 2014 THE LIST FESTIVAL 51