Following many global tours, this is the long-awaited London debut of Ripoll, the internationally acclaimed choreographer, and the company from the favelas of Rio de Janeiro.
Zona Franca, Ripoll’s latest work, echoes the aspirations of Brazilian youth at the point of transition between Presidents Bolsonaro and Lula. It is a fervent piece that tells of the hopes of a disinherited generation yearning to reinvent itself.
Passinho, dancinha, voguing, samba, hip-hop and other styles of urban dance are the favourite playground and laboratory for Brazilian youngsters, eager to express their thirst for life and desire for freedom.
Zona Franca takes these then steps beyond to combine contact dance, theatre, innovative vocals and folk dances from northern and north-eastern Brazil.
As an extension of her work, Ripoll creates a space where performers and audiences can both find freedom, at a time when darker areas are growing across the world: areas of social, economic and political struggle.
After years of agony, it’s time for rebirth.
Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX 2nd – 4th November. 7.30pm. Admission: £20 – £32
Booking: www.southbankcentre.co.uk
