July 25, 2007 performance reviewed by Connell McGrath
Mimulus made their United States debut at Jacob’s Pillow last night. This is a young Brazilian company full of energy who take Brazilian social dancing as the starting point for their performance pieces.
Mimulus in Do Lado Esquerdo de Quem Sobe, choreographed by Jomar Mesquita. Photo by Guto Muniz.
They performed a 2006 work called “Do Lado De Quem Sobe” (which they translate as “on the left hand side of who goes up the street”). This is a fun entertainment with lots of great samba and amusing, lighthearted variations. Mimulus keeps it light, emphasizing the romantic and happy aspects of Brazilian dance and samba.
The company’s notes on the work describe their creative process of drawing inspiration by walking the streets of their home city in Brazil, observing life and bringing their impressions back to the studio. It’s worth noting that the choreography is attributed to “a collaboration between the artists of Mimulus,” and not only to its artistic director, Jomar Mesquita. The notes also tell another story, trying to imbue the work with overtones of the history of slavery and emancipation in Brazil. This is unnecessary to the integrity and success of the work.
This evening-length piece is set primarily to various choros, a Brazilian musical form that evolved at the beginning of the 20th century and is a mix of African and European instrumental music. The choro is sweet and joyous-sounding song form that is occasionally tinged with sadness. The score used for this work is full of choro variations as well as a few other Latin music works.
The costuming is excellent with a variety of brightly colored skirts and blouses for the women and tight-fitting slacks and shirts in muted tones for the men. The set is somewhat busy and superfluous, and the lighting deftly highlighted the choreography.
The audience responded with great enthusiasm to this performance.
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