PROFANA is a thought-provoking performance that brings the stereotypical figure of the carnival female body as a vehicle for reflection on a conservative and intolerant era in Brazilian politics.

It combines dance, theatre and text in dialogue with videos projected onto this body, which turns into a site of revelation, involving the audience in a narrative of joy, pain, laughter, beauty and struggle.

The videos revolve around presidential problematic speech, environmental issues in Brazil along testimonials of Female Black and LGBTQIAP+ communities. Through bringing the then-reality in Brazil, this video performance wanted to flare up the issues of a rising conservative moment around the world.

* The then far-right president Jair Bolsonaro was responsible for the dismantling of the Amazon, giving power to agribusiness and illegal mining, leaving an irreversible hole with regard to environmental issues (in Brazil and the world).

He has also massively contributed to the weakening of the arts sector and encouraged hatred and intolerance towards women, black and LGBTQIAP+ communities. 

Performed at Peckham Springs, London - May 2019
Director and performer: Manuela Albrecht
Movement Director: Luíza Kessler
Testimonials by: Alexande Dill, Eduardo D'Ávila, Silvana Rodrigues, Andrew Tassinari and Renata Stein.
Light and Sound designer: André Birck
Vídeo: Catharina Conte
Photos: Victoria Venturella