Brazilian gangland fever in Perth

  

In a show that combines the extraordinary martial art of Capoeira (kah-
poh-ayr-ra) with the uplifting music and dance of Carnival, Warriors of
Brazil showcases all of the power and the passion that is modern Brazil.

From a country which has much to celebrate with its successful bid to
host the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics, its soccer prowess, and
powerful musical impact on the world, this show represents a positive
flipside to Brazils street violence which is also dominating the news
headlines.

The super-fit, young men in Warriors of Brazil have escaped the cycle of
gangland warfare in the favelas or ghettos of Salvador de Bahia, former
epicentre of the African slave trade. Selected as part of a social
development program, they are the undeniable masters of Capoeira, and are
now captivating audiences around the world and spreading a message of
hope for the youth of Brazil.

Prior to its Australian premiere tour, the show has had recent critically
acclaimed seasons in Edinburgh and Hamburg.

Warriors of Brazil is created and directed by UK-based Toby Gough, a
theatre-maker with a thirst for adventure, social justice and a genuine
passion for nurturing the many fascinating cultures of the global village
on the world stage.

As the winner of five Scotsman First Prize awards at the Edinburgh Fringe
Festival and two Festival Lifetime Achievement awards, he has previously
created the hugely successful shows Lady Salsa, The Merchants of
Bollywood and The Bar at Beuna Vista. As well as directing Kylie Minogue
in a Barbados production of The Tempest with members of the Royal
Shakespeare Company, Toby Gough has initiated many theatre-based social
programs which bring an empowering sense of joy and celebration to the
worlds trouble spots.

With a centrepiece female dancer singer, we are transported to Brazil and
swept away by its rhythms and gutsy style. Brought to Perth by Kay and
McLean Productions, Michael Coppel presenting the production Warriors of
Brazil, this high energy showcase of dancing and singing from the
heartland of Brazilian music is certainly infectious to the audience.

From the outset there is a concert feel on entry to the theatre with
Brazilian music pumping the airwaves. Joining the performers on stage
are the singers, dancers and percussionists of Rhythm Carnival who hail
from the favela of Candeal, which famously saved its young people from a
life of violence by encouraging them to trade their weapons for musical
instruments.

Members of Rhythm Carnival have performed with Santana, The Fugees, Ricky
Martin, Sergio Mendes and The Black Eyed Peas. With this six piece band
of mainly percussion, guitar and drums, the performers present a
relentless presentation of music for accompaniment to the all-male
dancers who are so athletic in their delivery of ghetto originated
warfare dancing, marital art style antics, and unending rhythmic moves
and grooves.

With their power to fight for freedom, the dancers were accompanied by a
narrator who described the ghetto stories that encompass the area of the
coastline of Brazil where they come from, these dancers were mesmerising
in their expertise and execution of the skills they implement in their
homeland.

The aisles through the audience were used and strong audience
participation made the show funfilled for all the audience and apparently
themselves! Unfamiliar as i am with this style of show, it was a welcome
and refreshing night in the theatre, and suited younger generations too.

Now performing in Perth until the 16 January 2010

Dates: Tuesday – Saturday 7.30pm, Wednesday 3.30pm
Venue: Regal Theatre, 474 Hay Street, Subiaco
Tickets: 1300 795 012
Groups: 1300 364 001 www.ticketek.com.au

Sydney:
Theatre Royal
19 to 23 January, 2010
Bookings: 1300 795 012
www.ticketek.com.au

Brisbane:
Lyric Theatre, QPAC
28 to 30 January, 2010
Bookings: 136 246 www.qtix.com.au

Melbourne:
Her Majesty’s Theatre
2 to 7 February, 2010
Bookings: 1300 795 012 www.ticketek.com.au

Adelaide:
Festival Theatre
9 to 11 February, 2010
Bookings: 131 246 www.bass.net.au

For further information their national tour visit
www.warriorsofbrazil.com