A passionate and striking celebration of Argentinian culture, the internationally acclaimed Malevo comes to Peacock Theatre as part of its first-ever UK tour.
Staged and directed by Matias Jaime, Malevo’s stellar performance in the semi-finals of America’s Got Talent got them onto the radar for some. Others may have heard of them because of their performances with Ricky Martin, Cirque du Soleil, and a year-long residency at Universal Studios Japan. Either way, their charisma, skill and passion are the undeniable points of attraction for the show.
Malevo is based on the traditional Argentinian dance Malambo. This male-only folk dance sees young guys showing off their moves with energetic leg movements along with rhythmic accompaniment by drums and stomping. The rhythm of the dance is brisk, full of sudden highs and lows, like two oppositions in a constant combat to reach a perfect balance.
The artists show mastery of drumming, followed by zapateo dance. The surprising part is the performance with boleadoras: a traditional throwing weapon with weights on both ends of the cord. Dancers spin it rhythmically to create music and striking visual performance, using both red and silver cords. These elements are mixed with other dance styles like flamenco and urban percussion, creating a unique and distinctive show.
The live band accompanies the show with a modern take on traditional Argentinian music. They also perform some hit covers, like ‘Yesterday’ and ‘We Will Rock You’, making the audience smile and nod along.
While musicians decorate the stage, there’s no set to speak of, but the lighting supports their performance. Whether it is a spotlight on the soloist or moving lights and flashes during the dramatic group scenes, predominantly red and yellow lights bring an extra dimension to the show.
It is not a surprise to me that Malevo’s unique combination of tradition and modern interpretation made them Cultural Ambassador to the National Identity of Argentina. A must-see for anyone interested in dance and Argentinian culture.
Malevo is at the Peacock Theatre until 4th November.
