LOVING IN DANGER
Some moments in life only happen when we are open to them. Breathing deeply in a windy forest, I felt the pull for change, a kind of transgression. Inside, I began to hunt for the pleasure of being alive, existing, and insisting that, above all, I am a soul first.
In this piece, we present stories that fictionalise reality, unfolding in a mystic universe where possibility shines brighter than uncertainty. Here, the act of creation becomes more than a sanctuary; it’s a manifesto of joy. Through storytelling, we build intricate worlds filled with characters who embody our hopes and dreams, honouring the courage to love unapologetically as a way of survival, even in the face of danger.
After spending many years away from my culture, I realised that my journey was not just an escape from an oppressive past, but a quest to gather strength and inner resilience. The vibrant colours serve as a bridge, resonating with the heart's desire for connection, ready to weave the fragments of my history into a monument of freedom.
In the Brazil we contemplate, there is no longer any division between reality and fantasy. It felt like unlocking the most pure and dangerous part of childhood, exposing this infernal light within me and reinterpreting the nature of love. This narrative reveals that conquering our internal battles is a radical ritual of healing. These tales serve as a vital counterbalance to the starkness of reality, cultivating a world where diversity is celebrated, not just tolerated.
Each of these bodies reshapes the scene in Rio de Janeiro's neighbourhoods. As we share these stories, we invite viewers into our folkloric world where our community is the protagonist. We stand as a testament that imagination reveals new horizons, connecting diverse hearts and minds in a collective pursuit of belonging.
Luan and the Movement of the Warriors
Challenging the norm of a body shaped by imposed social choreography is an act of rebellion, an exodus that places them on the margins of the conventional. A warrior fighting to de-choreograph these movements, Luan carries with him the strength of their entities, awakening the desire for a new beginning. He seeks to reclaim the sacred territory of the self, creating a narrative that celebrates both individuality and ancestral legacy. His journey charts a course toward Autonomy, acting as an invitation to self-discovery and a rejection of society's limiting expectations.
The Dance of the Soul
The Soul moves their body like the wind, a transit of everything that has crossed it, like a manifestation of the universe. With vigour, the Soul shows the collective story of their community, passed down through generations. Yet, there was a time when this rhythm was silenced by those in power, and their stories were erased, leaving scars of repression. Despite this, a spark of courage reignites within the Soul. In every step, it reminds everyone that they are part of a greater dance, showing that even in the smallest gestures lies the strength of a thousand years and the sacred rhythm that unites us all.
Wesley and the Whispering Tides
In the heart of Vidigal favelas, Wesley was born beneath a sky painted with sea-green and storm-grey, seen by many as touched by luck’s mysterious hand. His skin shimmered faintly blue under the moonlight, a sign his mother believed was the sea’s blessing. While others saw something strange, Wesley felt a quiet power within him, responding to the rhythm of the tides. Night after night, he stood by the shore, listening to the whispers of the sea, and poured his soul into writing stories, songs, and poems inspired by his surroundings. When a fierce storm struck, with lightning illuminating the turbulent waves, Wesley stepped into the water to transform. His words and melodies carried his strength, proving that even in the face of injustice, words and imagination can turn curse into hope, and reminded everyone that the ancestors, and the gods still live inside those who dare to dream.
Songs of Hub
Hub had been singing since she was a child, her voice carrying a quiet, instinctive presence. Her family believed that music was more than just sound, it was a sacred way to awaken the senses and connect people on a deeper level. For her, her voice was like a lighthouse cutting through darkness, guiding her on a journey of discovery and inspiring her to explore new horizons. Each song served as a bridge, bringing people together through shared understanding. She recognised that her voice was rooted in ancient, meaningful language, and every prayer was a rite of passage, an act of renewal, a steady reminder of the enduring power of song to inspire harmony and growth.
The Fields of Lorre
Lorre uses art as a weapon and the heart as a shield. On stage, his performances, full of grace and strength, touch even the most hardened hearts, transforming adversities into hope. As a silent witness, he believes in love and diversity, cultivating a sense of community and a place of inspiration. While performing, the fields shine, celebrating his existence in its deepest truth, life calls us to be alive with fire and grace.
Mandu and the Refuge of Dreams
In a warm land, where the sun caressed his skin and the soil pulsed with the energy of unseen worlds, Mandu, in his refuge, worked to merge his vivid dreams with reality. Whenever he closed his eyes, he didn’t just imagine, but summoned the heat of romances yet to come. In secret, he sketched memories and fleshed out intense desires, tracing the sweat and shadows of the night into the lines, capturing gestures that seemed on the edge, ready to announce storms. Over time, he filled his pages with fantasies turned into stories of courage, learning that magic lies in the capacity to permit every hidden longing to be fully open. Whenever he needed, he would return to his refuge, where love, patience and quiet, awaited him.