Shake a leg to the samba
Indo-Brazilian event hopes to draw upon the similarities in two cultures.
Producer Ruchika Tikus is convinced that the stage will be on fire tonight. At the rehearsals for her music and dance production, Rhythms of the Earth, Tikus’ production will see a Brazilian troupe of Samba artists match their steps to lavani artistes from Chaya Maya Khutegaonkar’s group.
It all began when Tikus chanced upon the fact that the culture and music of Brazil was very similar to that of India. “We don’t know Brazil beyond its carnival and Samba. So the idea was to make people aware of Brazil beyond the clichés,” says 33-year-old Tikus, a musician and capoerist.
At this cultural exchange of sorts, artists representing four traditions from Brazil will be seen performing with one of the oldest, yet most playful Indian folk forms. “We will be performing Samba, Macumba, Capoeira and Jongo,” says Carlo Alexandre Teixeira Da Silva, the mastermind behind the Kabula entourage. “It will be a spectacle as we bring together ancient as well new traditions on stage,” he adds.
After its debut in Mumbai, the travelling show will visit Pune and later Goa, where Brazilian artists will jam with Goan folk dancers and musicians. “The best of folk is that it’s the same everywhere. The history of the two colonial nations makes them similar,” feels Tikus. “The lavani and samba are both sensual and tantalizing artforms that share their genesis to harvest festival traditions.
The highlight of the 120-minute show without a break, according to Da Silva, will be the staccato sound produced from the batooka of drums. “The music is deeply influenced by ancient African traditions and the rhythms are simply soul-stirring. In my 15 years of experience, they’ve touched audiences from the favellas of Rio de Janeiro to those at the Royal Shakespeare Company in London,” he assures.
Rhythms of the Earth will be held at YB Chavan Auditorium, Nariman Point on January 29, 7pm onwards. For passes, contact Rhythm House at 43222727 and Maharashtra Watch Co. at 66625661
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