Meaning “brute force” in Spanish, Fuerza Bruta is a postmodern theater show originating from Argentina. The show debuted in 2005 in Buenos Aires with an overwhelming response, and it has been running Off-Broadway in New York since 2007. Having toured to 27 countries worldwide, performing to over 2.5 million audience members, this summer, the off-the-chart sensory feast has arrived in Macau for the first time. From June 14 to August 4, the extreme performance will be staged in the MGM Theater at MGM COTAI.
Before the grand premiere, CLOSER went backstage to meet members of the cast and crew to get a sneak peak at this wild production.
“Our Creative Director Diqui James took some reference from football and carnival to create Fuerza Bruta. It is a show without language, an emotional show that engages audience and actors,” says the stage manager, Alejandro Pellegrino.
Unlike conventional performances, Fuerza Bruta has no rigid stage or seating arrangements. During the 70-minute three-dimensional standing show, audience members are encouraged to move around the space and actively interact with the performers. “Speak loudly. Run wildly. Take videos freely,” is the suggested code of conduct.
Alejandro Garcia, Technical Director of the show notes, “The theater we have here is like a screen that goes almost 360 degrees. You have to stand up the whole time, move around in different scenes. Maybe you’re watching from one side, and suddenly have to move ten meters away, and the vision completely changes. It’s different for everybody. If you come several times for the show, each time it’ll be different.”
The audience is center stage in the show, surrounded by the powerful presence of the theater’s mind-blowing visual effects and lighting. Experiencing the palpable emotions and the struggles and celebrations of life emanating from the performance of the actors – who seem to magically appear out of nowhere and from all directions – the audience can’t help but become engaged in the show.
It is also a great opportunity to get a taste of authentic Latin American culture.
“There is something that we have in the show that’s part of us, we bring the audience something very particular from our country,” says Camila Taranto, one of the performing artists. “For example, we have incorporated some ‘murga’ moves, a typical street dance from Argentina,” her fellow performer Bruno Lopez adds.
The actors are deeply impressed by the dynamic MGM Theater, for its ability to accommodate such a highly complex show and create show experiences like no other.
“I love it! The structure of the theater is amazing, the floor can be turned upside down, the ceiling is so perfect,” exclaims Camila. In one scene, she is swimming in a giant transparent pool that miraculously floats over the audience. “I don’t have words to express it, we have never performed in a place like this. So modern and technologically advanced,” Bruno echoes.
Asked what the most fun part about being a cast member is, both actors agree that their interaction with the audience is key.
“We try to really involve people in the show. We want the audience to be free, to feel liberation in dance, it’s so much fun,” says Bruno.
“There is a part where everybody is dancing and joining us, like a big party. You’re connecting with people and dancing with someone you’ve never seen before. It’s very special for us,” Camila affirms.
From June 14 to August 4, FUERZA BRUTA WAYRA MACAU will be staged in MGM Theater at MGM COTAI from Wednesday through Sunday nights as well as double shows on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Ticket price at MOP/HKD 488. Tickets are now available at the concierge counter at Grande Praça, MGM MACAU, and the Box Office at MGM Theater, MGM COTAI.
Booking (853) 8802 3833
tickets.mgm.mo.
