Brazilian culture and life, often described as passionate and full of zest, is brought to Adelaide audiences through an audio-visual vortex in contemporary dance production Rio 40°.

To premiere at Adelaide Fringe in March before a national tour, Rio 40° comes from TQ Productions, the team behind the hit 2022 show A Carnaval Dream.

Using exclusive authentic footage, the production explores the realities of Rio de Janeiro past well-known stereotypes to create an immersion into the complexities that life brings.

TQ Productions lead choreographer and Rio native Talita Fontainha says Rio 40° will show Fringe lovers an authentic perspective of the city she knows so well.

“The show is presented from the perspective of someone who lives there,” says Talita. “It is a fun show, but it also touches on real issues faced in Brazil – we want to evoke strong feeling and create empathy among the audience.”

While Rio 40° has plenty of samba music, it’s more than just show girls and feathers. Brazilian funk, rock, and pop feature across the production as well as an accompanying musician playing trumpet and accordion.

Blending high-energy dance and physical theatre acts with street footage in the one-hour show, Talita says Rio 40° will give audiences an opportunity to understand the many social issues Brazil grapples with. “We’ve given it a local flavour to make it relatable – the story begins with an Australian tourist visiting Rio, where they befriend a local,” says Talita. “The local is the one to take this tourist to sites through a social lens, which is how we can learn the most about a place.”

“Anyone interested in travel will appreciate the show, especially those interested in Brazil as a place to visit or the culture.”

The cast comprises of mostly South Australians, but their own immersion has seen many of them fly to Brazil to take part in February’s Rio Carnaval ahead of Rio 40°’s Fringe run.

TQ Productions is an independent production company founded in South Australia in 2022 by a group of Brazilian artists and producers, led by Talita.

Talita has more than 15 years of experience as an established international producer and choreographer, with an impressive portfolio that includes being a choreographer for both the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games Closing Ceremonies, the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, the 5th Military World
Games in 2011 and the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup.

Rio 40° will be part of the West Village Fringe precinct, with shows split across Nexus Arts and The Lab from March 5 to 17.

All 4 shows at The Lab will feature an interactive atmosphere, with most of the audience standing. Some seats will be available, with priority given to seniors and those with disabilities.

Tickets are available now from www.adelaidefringe.com.au.