Marcelo Evelin / Demolition Incorporada

Uirapuru is a piece that draws inspiration from the entities inhabiting the Brazilian forests and from the mythical imaginary of the Brazilian woodlands. The forest as a unique cosmology—wild and enchanted—and as a return to a deep, unknown hinterland. The uirapuru is a Brazilian bird that is seen as the singer of the forest. Uirapuru means “man turned into bird” or “embellished bird” in Tupi-Guarani, the language spoken by Brazil’s native peoples. Its existence is wrapped by an indigenous tale, the story of a lover from an impossible love turned into a rare bird, whose singing would make the ones who listened to it delusional. A mythical bird, hardly ever seen, with a beautiful singing, known for bringing good fortune to those who listened to it, the symbol of a Brazil that despite being devastated still sings. — Marcelo Evelin


Marcelo Evelin (Teresina, Piauí, 1962) is a choreographer, researcher and performer. He lives and works between Brazil and Europe. As an independent creator, he teaches, runs workshops and participates in collaborative projects. He established the Demolition Incorporada company, the Núcleo do Dirceu artists collective and CAMPO. Among others, he created and directed the pieces Matadouro [Slaughterhouse] (2010), De Repente fica Tudo Preto de Gente [Suddenly Everywhere Is Black with People] (2012), Batucada (2014), Dança Doente [Sick Dance] (2017) and A Invenção da Maldade [The Invention of Evil] (2019).