Carnival Production 2025 Synopsis
Navegaram imigrantes
Immigrants sailed
De tão distante, pra semear
From so far away, to sow
Traços de tradições, laços das religiões
Traces of traditions, ties of religions…
…No altar do samba, em oração
At the samba altar, in prayer
É o Brasil de todos os deuses
It’s the Brazil of all gods
De paz, amor e união
Of peace, love, and unity
GRES Imperatriz Leopoldinense 2010.
Our 2025 Production is inspired by G.R.E.S Imperatriz Leopoldinense’s 2010 song Brasil de Todos os Deuses – Brazil of All the Gods which brings forth a message of respect for all religions in the multicultural melting pot that is Brazil. In our re-interpretation we focus on Hinduism and the Afro-Brazilian religions (Candomblé, Umbanda etc) and their shared values.
The similarities between Hinduism and Afro-Brazilian religions reveal fascinating connections in their belief systems, especially in their shared reverence for multiple deities, the cyclical view of life and death, and the central role of rituals and ceremonies in spiritual practice. These common threads highlight how different faith systems often carry significant similarities, contributing to a rich and intricate tapestry of religious diversity. This is particularly evident in the cultural exchange between Hinduism and Afro-Brazilian religion, demonstrating their intercultural synchronicity.
Both Hinduism and Candomblé support systems of beliefs centred around a wide range of deities, reflecting a profound spiritual bond with the divine and the natural world. In Hinduism, gods like Brahma, Vishnu, and Lakshmi embody various aspects of existence, while Afro-Brazilian cultures similarly honour numerous spirits and gods that shape their understanding of life and the cosmos.
In 1949 dock workers from Salvador, where Candomblé was an important part of cultural life, were looking for a way to protest peacefully for the rights of workers. On discovering the similarities in belief systems they were inspired by Mahatma Ghandi and formed an Afoxé (Afro-Brazilian Carnival) group called Filhos de Ghandy which later became the largest of it’s kind in the country, spreading a message of non-violence and peace. Our drummers will represent this group, beautifully connecting the 2 cultures and reflecting the diverse melting pot of London and our students of many mixed lineages, spreading our carnival message of Peace, Devotion and Power – ‘Paz, Devoção, Axé’
Their costumes will be a carnival interpretation of the garb worn by Filhos de Ghandy (Children of Ghandi) which is an Afro-Brazilian Afoxé group in Salvador, Bahia, who are inspired by the peace activism of Mahatma Ghandi and dress using the colours of the Afro-Brazilian God Oxala, blending both traditions.
Costume Making
This year we will focus on making ‘bateria‘ (drummer’s) costumes to compliment our dance costume, as explained above. They will represent Filhos de Ghandy, an Afoxé group from Salvador Bahia, who were formed to spread the message of peace and unity through non-violent protest, a concept called Satyagraha inspired by Mahatma Ghandi.
Working with a team of young volunteers lead by AD Tamara Arom-Hobbs, we will paint fabric in the traditional blue and white colours representing Peace, using both freehand painting, woodblocks and stencils. Each will be unique so the young people can put their own mark on the designs. This is the first time we have not used pre-printed fabric. These will form the Kaftan-like body of the costume called an abada. We will also create stylised ‘turbante‘ on metal frames (made in house) that will represent the traditional tied and sewn turban which is worn in similar form as pert of both Afro-Brazilian and Indian culture.
The outfit will be finished with some carnival sparkle and accessories, to enhance the carnival style and create impact for both close up and distance viewing and media.
Drumming and Dance
Our young drummers will train intensively with our MD Iian Pattinson and his team of drumming directors to master the challenging music of REAL Rio-style Samba. The music is not simplified in any way, they learn to play authentically to equip them to take part in any group in the UK or Worldwide as the next generation of samba drummers. Many of our players have gone on to do this.
They gain valuable skills in rhythm, technique and performance as well as an understanding of the language and non-verbal communication elements of the genre. Through learning and performing samba, they develop transferable skills like concentration, discipline, teamwork, and leadership, while boosting self-confidence, self-awareness, and self-esteem. Participants also have the opportunity to connect with peers across London, celebrate cultural diversity, build community, and enjoy a fun, stress-relieving experience.
Our Mestre Sala (Master of Ceremonies) and Porta Bandeira (Flag bearer) are the most important and traditional part of the Samba School as they carry the ‘colours’ of the school. This position must be treated with the utmost respect and therefore we use a professional dance couple to represent this in the most culturally appropriate way in our role of educating the public in the authentic art of samba. You can learn more about these roles in a video we created with our Porta Bandeira and Cultural Advisor Gladys Cavalcante and her dance partner Chirag Goyate.
This year’s passistas (dance section) will be invited from an independent project run by our dance teacher Michela di Felice. They train weekly with her in various London classes and will be invited to partner with us to wear the pre-produced costumes representing the theme.
