Uproar: A Journey of Dance as Political Expression

Written by Moyra Silva

Uproar emerged as a visceral response to the socio-political crisis and tragic deaths during protests in Peru from December 2022 to March 2023. In May 2023, I met Carolina Rieckhof in London, shortly after I had moved to the city, carrying immense sadness over the events in Peru. We shared a sense of powerlessness and frustration over ongoing injustices, a corrupt government, and a system that dehumanised rural communities. Yet, we were inspired by the power of collective action during these turbulent times and felt compelled to create a piece amplifying these unheard stories from Latin America.

Our goal was not only to tell a story but to invite audiences into an experience that could inspire reflection on the power of protest and the beauty of resilience. We wanted to explore how collective noise could bring attention to struggles far from our daily lives. Through Uproar, we found a way to heal our sadness and connect with global experiences of injustice.

The creation of Uproar combined artistic disciplines, costume design, and performing arts with the ancestral knowledge of our country. We were inspired by the historical use of dance and music as tools of political expression, such as the Taki Onqoymovement, which resisted the imposition of Spanish culture during the Conquest. We also explored the role of carnivals as a form of protest, such as the Candelaria celebration in Puno, Peru, where a call for justice took the streets with joy and celebration. These emotions, far from being opposites, are conveyed through movement and music.

An important element of Uproar was the interaction between performer and audience. We aimed to create an immersive experience that fosters dialogue through non-verbal communication, capturing the tension, solidarity, and hope that underpin acts of resistance. As we collected reportages with testimonies of the relatives of the civilians who lost their lives during protests, it became clear that this performance was not just an artistic endeavour, but a tribute to those who stood up for justice and were punished by the police.

The Intersection of Movement, Sound, and Resistance

The creative process of Uproar was deeply rooted in the exploration of how movement, sound, and visuals could reflect the collective power of resistance. It went beyond choreography to include the design of costumes that could amplify our message, using materials that created sound with every movement—echoing the chants heard at protests. This interaction between body, sound, and space was a key part of our rehearsal process, which became a place for dialogue and exploration, allowing us to deeply connect with the narratives we sought to represent. Uproar emerged from a profound desire to honour those who lost their lives seeking justice under a dictatorial government. The piece is a reminder of the strength we hold when united, as we observed how protesters used their voices and bodies as instruments of defiance. Music became their rallying cry, dance their protest, and their collective presence a force that could not be ignored. Through Uproar, we aim to raise awareness and inspire change, reminding audiences that these struggles are not unique to Peru—they resonate globally. We stand in solidarity with movements around the world, expressing empathy and solidarity through movement and sound.

Uproar and the Journey to the VOILA! Festival

Taking Uproar to the Voila! Festival 2024 has been exciting. We created the piece during the Shift+Space residency at Theatre Deli in November 2023. One year later, the performance has evolved into a powerful, embodied experience after months of experimentation, and collaboration. The festival offers a platform for diverse voices, cultures and languages, and we felt it was the perfect place to showcase Uproar, reaching audiences in London with a story rooted in Latin American experiences but universally relatable.

Throughout this journey, we kept in mind the real lives and stories that inspired Uproar. Each performance is dedicated to those who seek justice, and a chance for audiences to reflect on the power they hold in their communities. Creating Uproar has been both a privilege and a responsibility. It's not just a performance; it’s an invitation to examine our roles in the world around us. Through movement, music, and visual elements, we hope to create an experience that lingers—one that urges reflection on the cost of silence and the strength found in unity. In a world where protests are often silenced, Uproar stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, reminding us that profound change can begin with the simple act of moving together.

 

Uproar plays at Theatre Deli in London as part of Voila Festival on Friday 15th and Saturday 16th November 2024 at 7.30pm.

Tickets : https://www.voilafestival.co.uk/events/uproar/

Age recommendation: 10+
Duration: 45 mins
Price: £15
Languages: English, Spanish
Countries: Peru
Content warnings: Documentary protest images could be sensitive for some viewers.

CAST & CREATIVES
Original Concept and Direction: Rieckhof-Silva
Assistant direction: Juliana Torres
Choreography/Performance/ Video & sound Editing: Moyra Silva
Costume Design: Carolina Rieckhof
Props and Installation: Carolina Rieckhof
Production: Juliana Torres, Rieckhof-Silva
Acknowledgments: Lucia Fortune-Ely, Javiera Limari, Pablo Herrera (Jano).