| Warriors of Brazil |
| Written by Sarah Green |
| Monday, 11 January 2010 16:43 |
 Warriors of Brazil is high energy entertainment with dazzling displays of athleticism, glamorous singing, sexy dancing and groovy percussion.The boys somersaulted onto the stage and introduced themselves with acrobatic stunts but it wasn’t until they peeled off their t-shirts that the crowd really started to cheer. There couldn’t be a better advertisement for the benefits of this Afro-Brazilian martial art than a row of lean, muscular torsos. Throughout the performance, the audience was educated in the origins and some of the forms of Capoeira, with demonstrations in various fighting and dancing styles. The narrator explained that he and most of the performers had grown up in Rio de Janeiro’s violent slums, known as favelas. As Capoeira fighters and Carnival musicians, they have rejected the cycle of violence and gang warfare and chosen to transform their lives and the lives of those to whom they teach these art forms. Music is an integral part of Capoeira and was interwoven throughout the show, performed by members of the Rhythm Carnival, who have performed with Santana, The Fugees, Ricky Martin and the Black Eyed Peas. Sparkly fedoras and an array of flowing and sequined dresses and sunglasses completed the scene and it was impossible not to tap along with some of the songs, even if only one was recognisable (and this only because it was the ‘Zoom Zoom Zoom’ song from a Mazda advertisement). The jazz flute was played brilliantly and it was interesting to see some creative percussion instruments, such as a collection of bottles on strings clinking together and what appeared to be rice in a large water bottle. But the real show-stealers were the Capoeira boys – eight of them in total – who seemed to enjoy being on stage as much as we enjoyed watching them. Their muscular strength and gymnastic prowess – combined with their ability to gyrate their hips – was incredible to see and thoroughly charming. It was certainly a unique theatrical experience – educational, entertaining and visually beautiful. Their vibrant Latino personalities shone throughout the evening and made for plenty of laughter. In contrast, their difficulty to persuade a staid Perth audience to get up and groove at the close of the show highlighted the difference in cultures. Kay & McLean Productions and Michael Coppel present Warriors of Brazil Perth Regal Theatre 8 to 14 January, 2010 Bookings: 1300 795 012 | 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 Visit www.warriorsofbrazil.com
Bookmark
Email this
Comments (0)Subscribe to this comment's feedWrite commentYou must be logged in to post a comment. Please register if you do not have an account yet.
|
Show/hide comment form
