Encantado

While “encantado” in Latin suggests magic spells, in Brazil the word refers to entities from the country’s Afro-indigenous heritage. The “encantados” are creatures animated by unknown forces that move between the earth and the sky, which live in intimate relationship with nature and have magical healing powers.

Encantado is also the title of the latest creation by Lia Rodrigues, a radical militant choreographer, in both her work and actions, who since 2004 has been combining artistic creativity and teaching in the favela of Maré in Rio de Janeiro, where her company is based. Encantado was created during the dramatic pandemic crisis that has hit the world, specially Brasil, Rodrigues wonders how we can "enchant our fears" to bring us back closer to each other.

An invitation to recover the natural strength that can overcome borders and barriers, prejudice and stereotypes, to unite bodies. That enchantment which, on the stage, becomes the forceful dance that rises like a swell driven by the wind of the beauty of coming together.