Space and time for contemporary productions

Yuck Miranda and João Felisberto Armando

YUCK MIRANDA (Mozambique) is an artist working at the intersection of theatre, dance, and performance. With a background in theatre, they merge dramaturgy, choreography, and movement to craft works that interrogate queerness and decolonial histories. They use their body and platform to advocate for children and youth, LGBTQ+ and gender equality. Lately, Miranda’s artistic practice is deeply rooted in archival exploration, using storytelling and embodiment to reclaim erased narratives – particularly those of Mozambican queer experiences. Drawing from theatrical structures, they create choreographic performances that challenge dominant narratives and reimagine identities. Their politically charged, interdisciplinary works navigate themes of exclusion, intimacy, and resistance, exploring how the body becomes a site of both resistance and transformation.

JOÃO FELISBERTO ARMANDO (Mozambique) – Jotta – is a dancer trained in Mozambican traditional dances, theatre and contemporary dance. This background inspires his unique dance style, which is versatile and captivating, and incorporates emotion as much as physical expression. Jotta is currently a dance student at ISARC (Instituto Superior de Artes e Cultura), in Maputo/Mozambique. He has also trained with esteemed choreographers such as Yuck Miranda, Pak Ndjamena, Osvaldo Passirivo, Virgílio Sitole, Cassimiro Nhussi, Cândida Mata, Abel Fumo, and Emelva Dine. Additionally, he is an active member of the cultural association Raízes, where he immerses himself in both traditional and contemporary movement styles. As a dancer, Jotta has been part of productions such as "Utipamo" (National Dance Festival), "Likute" (ISARC final year presentation by Enoke Simomole), "Queer Scenes" (by Yuck Miranda), "Tremuria Project" (by Pak Ndjamena), and "Rituais do Corpo" (by Pak Ndjamena). These experiences have shaped his approach to dance as a fusion of tradition and innovation, pushing him to explore new forms of expression. Beyond performance, Jotta has engaged in socio-educational dance initiatives, using movement as a tool for storytelling and awareness.

© Mariano Silva