Current Projects - Amazônia

The first phase of AMAZÔNIA took place in Brazil between January and June 2008 (produced by João André da Rocha, People’s Palace Projects). It evolved from a series of workshops and encounters in 2007/08 between the Young Vic, People’s Palace Projects and members of the local Quadrilha league in Rio Branco. In June 08 SESC’s annual Quadrilha dance competition in Rio Branco featured a special prize sponsored by Young Vic and People’s Palace Projects.

Quadrilha is danced across Brazil every June: from school playgrounds to the Presidential Palace. In the Amazon region there is a strong tradition of Quadrilha competitions which take place between teams of young people from different communities. For the first time, the League of Quadrilhas in Rio Branco agreed to run a competition based on a theme. Each of the 18 groups was encouraged to produce a Quadrilha based on issues to do with climate change and the environment and to celebrate the life of the internationally renowned Amazonian activist Chico Mendes on the 20th anniversary of his assassination.

On August 16th, Quadrilha dancing came to London as a feature of Festa!, the Young Vic's summer community show, a co-production with People’s Palace Projects. Festa! took place in the Young Vic’s main auditorium and outside on The Cut itself, with Brazilian drumming, dancing and more. It was created with members of Spectaculu, the theatre and film design school in Rio de Janeiro run by Gringo Cardia for young people from Rio’s favelas.

The life of Chico Mendes reappears as a theme of the Christmas show, drawing on the work produced in Rio Branco. This deep cross-cultural collaboration will also include debates and discussions on the themes of activism, climate change, citizenship and pleasure.

The Christmas show Amazônia is co-written and directed by Paul Heritage (Artistic Director, PPP) with Joe Hill-Gibbins (associate director at the Young Vic) and designed by the leading Brazilian designer Gringo Cardia (Cirque du Soleil, AfroReggae and Companhia de Dança Deborah Colker). The production features Brazilian as well as British actors. Book now…AMAZÔNIA is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for two companies to create a season of excitement and experience neither could create on its own. Become a part of the magic and book now for the Christmas show. Visit the Amazônia London mini-site to find out more.

To date the project has already attracted a wide range of partners and funders. Find out more here >>