A Brazilian perspective of resisting through dance and songwriting.
Written and performed by Leandro Maia, UFPel, Brazil
Directed by Maria Falkembach (UFPel), Brazil, The Stray Mongrel Dog: an autobiographical illusion, or Guaipeca
Songs, guitar and voice by Leandro Maia. Performance and direction by Maria Falkembach (c.45 minutes) This autobiographical illusion is a music performance with dance interventions about a Latin-American songwriter identity while crossing real and symbolic borders. Themes such as cultural diversity, gender, racism, sexism, toxic masculinity, love and resilience are approached throughout three main dimensions: humour, love and social criticism. As a continuation of the film Paisagens [Landscapes, 2020], a road movie in an 1972 Volkswagen Beetle, Leandro Maia developed the concept of Guaipeca [South Brazilian indigenous word for mongrel, or stray dog], producing this álbum as Long Play (LP) against the “algorithm dog collar” practised by the music streaming industry. In the journey, Maia honours artists, writers and activists such as George Orwell (UK), Walter Ferguson (Costa Rica), Barão de Itararé and The One Thousand Sambas Woman (Brazil). Songs, guitar and voice by Leandro Maia. Performance and direction by Maria Falkembach. With special guests: Chris Blanden and Nick Sorensen
This performance is generously supported by Universidade de Federale Pelotas, Brazil, and the Ministry of Culture of Brazil.
Leandro Ernesto Maia, Maria Fonseca & Bruna Oliveira
Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Brazil
Leandro Maia is a singer and composer. Professor at the Pelotas Federal University (UFPel), Centre o Arts. PhD in Music at Bath Spa University, Master in Brazilian Literature (UFRGS) and Degree in Music (UFRGS). Coordinator of the Cultural Production and Policy Research Group and the Creative Industry and Social Mobilisation Agency. He composes for theater, dance and audiovisual, including animated films. Winner of the Ibermúsicas Songwriting Prize granted by the Organization of Ibero-American States (OEI), and five “Açorianos” Music Awards as MPB Group, Revelation, Best Children’s Album and Best MPB performer, in addition to nominations as composer, show and album. He is also currently dedicated to his tour “Guaipeca [Stray Dog]”, linked to his last album released as long play.
