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Cheese and Guava or Romeo and Juliet

4 stars

 

Shakespeare may not have been known for his Samba moves, but that hasn’t stopped the Brazilian Cênica company from serving up his tale of star-crossed lovers in bite-size cabaret style form. The fact that Romeo and Juliet is also the nickname for the post-dinner Brazilian snack of cheese and guava speaks volumes. Opposites attract. 

 

Throw in the greatest hits of best selling Brazilian crooner Roberto Carlos, aka ‘the king’ - like Elvis, Elton and the Beatles rolled into one, apparently, pop pickers - and the scene is set for a piece of serious fun that looks at conflict, cultural division and colonialism in a cross language, cross genre confection. 

 

With seven people on stage doubling up as the band in Fagner Rodrigues’ wild production, the result of this contribution to this year’s São Paulo Showcase is a bilingual feast. It may start early doors, but it’s never too early to carnival. Just desserts all round.

 

Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025 - Summerhall until 25 August, 10.35-11.35am


The List, August 2025

 

ends

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