Augusto Omolú

 

THE DRAMATURGY OF THE ORIXÁ DANCE  WORKSHOP

Augusto Omolú has developed a particular training technique for actors and dancers based on the Orixá dances from the Afro-Brazilian tradition of Candomblé. This technique develops different forms of energy that can be used successively, independently of the original form. The warrior energy of Ogun can dialogue with the soft and delicate energy of Oxun, the strength of the wind and storm of Iansã is complementary to the steps of the old Oxalá.

 

 

CANDOMBLÉ AND THE DANCE OF THE ORIXÁS

 

The African diaspora has contributed preponderantly to Brazil's cultural profile. The religious beliefs brought from Africa helped the black population keep alive the roots which gave meaning to the world around them.

 

Their divinities, the Orixás, representing different forces of nature, manifest themselves during the ceremony of Candomblé. Particular drum-rhythms and dances invite the Orixás to come down and "ride" the devotee. Each Orixá, male or female, has its own toque (drum-beat) and dance whose quality of energy and pattern of movements are fixed according to the different "nations" (Ketu, Angola, Jêjê). When the devotee falls into a trance becoming the "horse" of the Orixá, s/he is dressed with the costume and attributes of the divinity and continues to dance in an altered state of consciousness.

 

The rhythm of the drums of the Candomblé, when brought out of the terreiro (the ceremonial space), acquired a new character which became extremely popular and, in the eyes of foreigners, the quintessence of Brazil - the samba.

 

In the fifties, the dance of the Orixás also began to be used outside the context of the Candomblé, first by folkloric ensembles, later as the basis for a specific Afro-Brazilian style which has been elaborated by many choreographers and dancers.

 

 

Participants

Depending on the size of the room the workshop can take up to 50 participants.

 

Needs

The participants must be dressed in comfortable clothes for intense physical work.

 

Enrolment

This workshop is not currently open for applications. You can find a list of current workshops open for applications under NEXT WORKSHOPS.

 

How to Organise a Workshop Abroad

If you are interested in having this workshop for 3 or 5 days at your theatre, conservatory, theatre school, university, or other pedagogic activity please contact us by email and ask for available periods: odin@odinteatret.dk

 

 

Augusto Omolú