Brazil! Brazil!

Synopsis

In a show that combines the extraordinary martial art of Capoeira with the music and dance of Carnival, and the jaw-dropping skills of Brazilian street football, Brazil! Brazil! showcases all of the power and the passion that is modern Brazil. Many of the performers have escaped the cycle of gangland warfare in the favelas of Salvador de Bahia. As the undeniable masters of Capoeira, they have been captivating audiences around the world. Their bodies defy what is humanly possible as they leap, flip, kick and spin at breathtaking speed. Joining them 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. The final element celebrates the world’s favourite game, played by the world’s favourite team - football. With press night falling on the day of Brazil’s first World Cup game, which will be screened at the venue after the show, the performers incredible football skills are sure to capture the football fever that will sweep through London this summer. Body-bending acrobatics and killer moves mixed with sizzling, infectious music, Brazil! Brazil! is sure to leave audiences in London breathless.

Our Review:

Michael Coveney - 16 June 2010

You may have noticed the World Cup football competition this summer. Brazil! Brazil! catches the mood, and the fever, in a beguiling display of soccer skills, acrobatics, samba, street music and martial arts, with percussion and guitar accompaniment and rough, raw singing.

The good thing about this show is that it retains its authenticity and enters no softening or compromise to British audiences. The cast comes from the favelas and ghettos of Brazil where they work with children and social projects; their bodies vibrate with their passions and enthusiasms.

But while there is a series of explanations of how the culture evolved, and why they are so good at football – the British invented the game, the Brazilians perfected it, we are told, not very controversially – there is no story or narrative.

Brazil! Brazil! is a sideshow, a cabaret, and at 70 minutes running time, a very entertaining one. It will be a wow at the Edinbur...

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Latest User Review

Gemma - 17 June 2010:

Fantastic show of Brazilian exuberance… dance, football, salsa, capoeira all under one purple roof. Everyone had a great night!...

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