Fuerza Bruta, a Spectacular Show!

For all of the budding thespians out there Furza Bruta certainly offers a hell of a lot in terms of entertainment.  Personally, I love the arts in all their different forms and this seems to tick many boxes.  Since living in Buenos Aires I have been meaning to visit Teatro Colon, one of the worlds greats.  But recently a group of friends urged me to go to a show they had seen called Fuerza Bruta which they described as “out of this world”.  If you don’t want me to spoil the surprise, then stop reading now and make sure you get yourself a ticket, but if you are intrigued then read on.

Out of this world is a good way to describe the show/ performance/ I don’t know what.  The performance (we will call it forsake of argument) is held in the Centro Cultural Recoleta, which is bang next door to Recoleta cemetery and walking distance from numerous bars and restaurants.  It is easy to get hold of tickets and in my opinion they are worth their weight in gold selling at $300 (ARG), which equals out at about £15 GBP.   Honestly, I would pay double.

As the show starts the entire audience are ushered into a circular space created with metallic curtains that glow magenta.   In this enchanting atmosphere two girls are suspended by fabric part way up the shining walls, they start to race round like frenzied animals setting a supernatural tone for the performance.  The performance pace makes it impossible to not give your full attention on the actors.  You are moved from A to B with senses, sound and rapid scene changes.

My favourite part of the performance had to be the point at which the translucent roof fills with shallow water over you and the actresses slip and slide through the water over your head like newts in a pond.  It really is quite mind blowing to watch, without even beginning to comprehend the mechanics behind it.  As the tension builds and the roof lowers you become closer to the frenzied performance taking place so close to you.  The roof descends so low that you can place your hands on it and feel the actors’ movements providing the concept of the supernatural.  Accompanied by loud drumming and psychotic screams, the scenes change with movement being a focal point to to piece itself.

Next the brass band which has been keeping the rhythm throughout comes into the crowd taking centre stage.  With the live musicians standing directly next to you it is impossible not to become enveloped in the atmosphere. Whilst an actor flies through a wind tunnel everyone is ushered to the floor and when the climactic point of the drum solo hits everyone erupts to their feet and dances in this crazed, dysphoric madness. p the shining walls, they start to race round like frenzied animals setting a supernatural tone for the performance.  The performance pace makes it impossible to not give your full attention on the actors.  You are moved from A to B with senses, sound and rapid scene changes.

The grand finally does not disappoint, from above gallons of water is released in the form of rain drops whilst the percussion continues on in some sort of tribal ritual.  Everyone is dancing, shouting, jumping and smiling, it really is an out of body experience.  As the show draws to a close, the percussion band leads the audience outside in a parade and eventually the show draws to a close.

This really is a special type of performance and one that I will never forget.  It leaves you energised, elated and ready to Party! It is a must do, especially if you like the arts!   A word of warning, be careful with electronics, warning they might get wet!