Tiago Gambogi - Brasilian Extraordinaire

Who I'd like to meet:

Tiago Gambogi is a passionate and enthusiastic maverick Brasilian Extraordinaire - a total performer who has trained and worked as a contemporary dancer, choreographer, actor, clown, director, producer and journalist. He is also Co-Artistic Director of Physical Theatre company F.A.B. - THE DETONATORS, formed in 1999 with Margaret Swallow. The company has toured extensively in the UK, Europe and Brazil with full evening shows, including: 'Extraordinary' (2008), 'Made in Brasil' (2005) directed by Nigel Charnock, My Generation - infancia caleidoscopica (2001), 'Carrot King' (1999), directed by Mark Phoenix. In 2009, Tiago undertook a research and development period with Jason Hird (The Instititute for Crazy Dancing) 'Road Works', directed by Master Clown Angela de Castro. In March 2010, Tiago directed 'Ventriloquist', written by Gerald Thomas, devised and performed by 2nd Year Physical Theatre students at the University of Plymouth. He has spent his formative years in a crèche near the Mata Atlantica Forest (Brazil), in the companion of four mico leão dourados (golden lion tamarins) and a giraffe. He has had trainings across the globe in China, USA, Spain and New Zealand. A ‘total performer’, he worked in Brasil with legendary Group Oficcina Multimédia, under the direction of Master Ione de Medeiros. In 1996, he fled to London to see the Queen, to find himself and also to receive a full scholarship from Laban Centre. Since that time his voracious appetite for the arts and for life gifted him with amazing collaborators, choreographers in the UK such as: Nigel Charnock, Earthfall, Angela de Castro, Gail Sneddon, Marie-Louise Flexen, Institute for Crazy Dancing, New Theatre Works, Fionnbarr Productions, Lisa May Thomas; as well as Cesar Volpe (Brasil), Paulo Ribeiro (Portugal), Jan Benes-McGadie (Czech Republic), etc. Amongst his extraordinary achievements, Tiago has: made his first full evening solo show at the age of 22, nearly drowned as a cowboy on the River Wye, performed on Brasilian TV, played Adam in a short film screened on Channel 4, was a prince and danced under a train bridge, jumped in a lake in Belo Horizonte's central park in his underpants for a photo shoot, made people smile, laugh, cry, danced with carrots in very unusual ways and has finally found simplicity in his heart and dancing. He lives in London (England, UK) and works worldwide. f.a.b. – The Detonators became one of the brightest performance companies to emerge in the UK on their return to the country in 2001. Since that time they have established themselves as a dynamic, mature company producing work of vision and humour. Offering an engaging and dynamic blend of dance, theatre, design and music with a liberal helping of humour, the company is leaving an ever growing trail of thrilled and delighted audiences in their wake with previous productions that include ‘Carrot King’ (1999), directed by Mark Phoenix; ‘My Generation – infância caleidoscópica’ (2001), directed by the company; ‘Made in Brasil’ (2005), directed by Nigel Charnock. “…Stimulating…inventive…to the point…” (Venue Magazine, on ‘Made in Brasil’) and their latest show 'Extraordinary' (2008), directed by the company. “Hugely enjoyable, highly entertaining, laugh-out-loud dance theatre!” 4 stars from VENUE Magazine “An intriguing and enigmatic treat for the senses .” Andrew Smaje, Associate Director, Ustinov Theatre Royal "...inventive choreography, a colourful production, appealling contemporary dance!" The British Theatre Guide "Welcome breath of live theatre!" Dorset Echo Already renowned for their energetic, passionate performances and their intimate approach to theatre, f.a.b. – The Detonators share their flights of imagination and their unique reflections on society with a contemporary theatrical audience. Using a wide variety of techniques, including improvisation and Grotowsky’s physical actions principle, they create a theatrical extravaganza - a distinctive, vigorous mix of dance, movement, text and music. f.a.b. – The Detonators are Associated Artists with Swindon Dance and Theatre Lab Ustinov Theatre Royal Bath. Amongst other commissions, Tiago has choreographed and directed circus/physical theatre group Trampulim (Brasil, 2001) in 'A Ponte', inspired by "Ward No. 6" by Anton Chekhov; 'Skin' (2006), a piece for five Brasilian dancers/performers; ‘ID’ (2007) directing Bath Dance Forum, and ‘Sweet Dreams’ (2007), a physical theatre commission for four performers from The Egg Theatre Royal Bath that had a successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. “A slick and original piece of dance concerning adult issues…fast paced dance combined with snappy dialogue convey the relationships of the four characters, who flirt, fight, marry and honeymoon together…a great show, the energy and loveliness of this cast was uplifting.” 4 stars given by Three Weeks Magazine, Edinburgh Festival 2007. Tiago worked as an Associate Lecturer at the University of Plymouth, teaching the Dance / Physical Theatre module. He has also delivered workshops in a variety of settings, from primary schools to professional dance companies. His workshops are fun, engaging and a the same time challenging in a positive and powerful way! Workshop comments: "In a short space of time, Tiago’s sensitive yet bold direction enabled us to feel free with the creative process. His hilarious exercises are unforgettable!" "We felt very at home with the process, even though we didn’t know each other beforehand. Tiago provided a comfortable, safe environment that enabled us to build up trust between us, thanks to his sensitivity, teaching expertise and generous feedback." "Bold, adventurous and unusual!" "I didn't know that one could make dance out of happiness!" Tiago has been awarded for three consecutive years (2006-07-08) the 'Top Banana Award - Category Dance' from VENUE Magazine for his work in Dance. "Brazilian Tiago Gambogi’s amazing talent as a singer and dancer are coupled with a magnetic stage presence that dominates this show..." Dorset Echo “…Tiago Gambogi, the darling of the public, was given the opportunity to show not only his comic talent and acrobatic prowess but also a striking ability to look endearing and utterly in love.” (Dance Season, Prague). He hopes to be the first Brasilian to win an Oscar. For more information please visit: http://www.uk.castingcallpro.com/view.php?uid=306142