Recent Stories with tag h3

Bruno Beltrao and Grupo de Rua's "H3". Photo by Anns V. Koiij.

The first thing my guest asked me upon leaving On the Boards last Thursday, after seeing Brazilian choreographer Bruno Beltrão's company Grupo de Rua, who are their first US tour with H3, was, "Did you respond to that more because you're a man?"

It's a fine question to ask. Not that women in the audience weren't responding—you could almost hear the panting at the end, as eight physically ripped, sweating (and most shirtless to boot) Brazilian dancers took their bow—but Beltrão's H3 is an almost Mametian (in terms of its masculinity, rather than its misogyny) exploration of men interacting with men, from the opening moments, where a pair of dancers stare down the audience, to the closing moments of chaos, the dancers each taking more and more expressive and athletic poses on an increasingly darkened stage. In between, H3 offers a detailed examination of the way men establish themselves among their peers, compete with one another, and ultimately turn to machismo as a means to exist in the world.

H3 unfolds in three distinct sections. The first is essentially narrative, centering on one dancer's character. As the show opens, he stands next to a far more self-assured counterpart, trying to follow his lead in staring down the audience. Then the weaker of the two begins to move, only to be shown up by his more assured and accomplished counterpart. Then, one by one, the other dancers move onto the stage, each in turn seeking to establish his own skills and ability. Ultimately, the original dancer finds a partner whose moves he carefully follows and thus is able to establish himself within the group.... (more)

This weekend, starting Thursday, On the Boards is presenting Brazillian choreographer Bruno Beltrão's Grupo de Rua (through Sunday, tickets $24). Fast-paced and hip hop-influenced, this is the antidote to the sort of contemporary dance that can turn off casual audiences. The company has been touring the piece they're presenting, H3, for the past few months, and have scored some excellent reviews around the country. Just hurry to get your tickets—Friday and Saturday are already sold out.