Marcelo Evelin / Demolition Incorporada: UIRAPURU

photo: Pedro Sardinha

UIRAPURU is a work inspired by the mythical beings that inhabit the Brazilian forests, exploring the enchanted and wild cosmology of the woods. The piece draws from the deep, unknown hinterland of the forest, inviting audiences into a space where the boundaries between nature and mythology blur. Central to the piece is the figure of the Uirapuru, a Brazilian bird known as the “singer of the forest.” In Tupi-Guarani, the language of Brazil’s indigenous peoples, Uirapuru means “man turned into bird” or “embellished bird.”

The bird’s existence is tied to an indigenous legend, where a lover, in an impossible love, is transformed into this rare bird. The Uirapuru’s song is said to have a captivating and hallucinatory effect on those who hear it, bringing a sense of fortune and delusion. Yet, despite its ethereal beauty, the Uirapuru is hardly ever seen, much like the endangered cultures it represents. The piece reflects on the destruction of Brazil’s natural and cultural heritage, but also serves as a symbol of resilience.

Through the performance, UIRAPURU conveys a powerful message of survival. Just as the bird continues to sing despite its rarity and the threats it faces, the cultures of Brazil endure. In the face of colonial history and environmental devastation, they continue to exist and be heard, bringing a message of hope and defiance.

Marcelo Evelin’s Uirapuru weaves together dance, mythology, and environmental consciousness to create an evocative exploration of resilience—an artistic testament to the forces that shape both the natural world and human cultures, which, despite all odds, continue to sing.