‘A sophisticated and subversive fado’ – Maison de la Danse Lyon
Reshaping a tradition into an unexpected form, Tap Fado stirs up Portugal’s most popular vocal heritage, transforming it into an energetic physical display. Audaciously conceived by Jonas&Lander, a skilful duo of multi-artistic choreographers based in Lisbon since 2011, the show reawakens ‘fado batido’, the danced and forgotten version of a musical genre traditionally associated with the ambiance of taverns and neighbourhood cafés. Designed for four dancers, a singer and four musicians, featuring both creators in the cast, the performance blends guitar, vocals and soulful fado with virtuosic and sensual tapping.
Premiered in 2021, driven by a creative yet inquisitive spirit built on aural and imagery research, Tap Fado has travelled extensively in Portugal and other European destinations on tours to France, Italy and Germany, having reached farther geographies, from Chile to South Korea.
Eventually amongst us, this humorous take on a usually melancholic and languid music will unveil its happier, caricatural side, steeped in centuries-old emotions, long embedded in Lisbon’s quaint lanes.
Artistic Direction, Choreography and Musical Composition: Jonas&Lander
Musical Direction: Tiago Valentim
Stage Design: Rita Torrão
Costume Design: Fábio Rocha de Carvalho and Jonas Lopes
Lighting Design: Rui Daniel
Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, without interval
Performed in Portuguese, with surtitles in Chinese and English
Tap Fado