Grande Otelo

Adapted from the classic 1928 modernist novel, Joaquim Pedro de Andrade's anarchic comedy "Macunaíma" follows the titular "hero with no character" after he emerges as a full-size adult from his mother's belly. Born black, he magically turns white as he wanders aimlessly across Brazil encountering ancient myths, racial burlesque, and urban guerillas in a hallucinatory masterpiece.

This talk is given by Fiona Sampson of University of Roehampton.

This historical saga is a stirring fusion of folklore, political impact and dynamic story-telling, realized in vibrant tropical colors and set to the pulsing beat of Gilberto Gil's musical score. After the slave revolt of 1641, groups of enslaved black Brazilians escaped to mountainous jungle strongholds where they formed self-governing communities.

The story of Brian Sweeney Fitzgerald, an extremely determined man who intends to build an opera house in the middle of a jungle.