Encantado

In Brazil, the word encantado refers to the object of an enchantment or a spell. Then there are the encantados, the enchanted ones, spirits that move between heaven and earth, through jungles, rocks, riverbeds, sand dunes and plants. But now that human action threatens life on Earth, what will become of the encantados?

Emerging onto a stage decked in a vibrant patchwork, 11 dancers transform 140 colourful blankets into shape-shifting costumes and personas in Encantado, a wild celebration of nature and our place in it.

Encantado is the brainchild of the Rio de Janeiro-based choreographer, activist and teacher Lia Rodrigues, who, over her 40-year career, has worked tirelessly to build synergies between art, activism and social processes. Inspired by the very real environmental and spiritual struggles experienced in today's Brazil, Encantado asks: How can we become close to each other and to the world we are part of once again?

The enchanted and disenchanted move in endless dance, as Encantado builds from stillness to a joyous crescendo of freedom.