Game of Freedom: Mestre Bimba and the Art of Capoeira by Duncan Tonatiuh (review)
2023; Johns Hopkins University Press; Volume: 77; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1353/bcc.2023.a909647
ISSN1558-6766
Autores Tópico(s)Martial Arts: Techniques, Psychology, and Education
ResumoReviewed by: Game of Freedom: Mestre Bimba and the Art of Capoeira by Duncan Tonatiuh Adam McConville Tonatiuh, Duncan Game of Freedom: Mestre Bimba and the Art of Capoeira; written and illus. by Duncan Tonatiuh. Abrams, 2023 [40p] Trade ed. ISBN 9781419764585 $19.99 E-book ed. ISBN 9781647008253 $15.54 Reviewed from digital galleys R Gr. 3-5 Tonatiuh (A Land of Books, BCCB 12/22) returns with another exemplary picture book biography, this time intertwining the stories of Brazilian martial artist Mestre Bimba and the performance art of capoeira. Bimba was introduced to capoeira, a blend of martial arts and dance set to live music, at the age of twelve in the streets of Salvador, where it grew from different cultural practices of Black Brazilians of African descent. Capoeira was stigmatized by the white elite and regularly disrupted by police, so Bimba took it upon himself to formalize the game and its teaching. He developed new techniques, set a strict code for those who wanted to learn his "regíonal" style, and opened a studio to teach in; his efforts eventually drew national recognition and formalized capoeira as a beloved and uniquely Brazilian cultural practice. Tonatiuh capably manages the difficult task of conveying a multi-sensory performance that is based on continuous rhythmic movement and music tempo. His signature digitally collaged artwork conveys the sport's power and fluidity, illustrating pairs of dancers mid-pose as they sweep their legs, flip, leap, and dodge, often encircled by a clapping crowd of onlookers and musicians. The viewer's eyes naturally follow the crisp white pleats of the dancer's uniforms (another requirement of Bimba), which stand out against largely neutral textures that make up the scenery. Excellent back matter offers a glossary with pronunciation guides, end notes and a bibliography, and an author's note that delves deeper into the different stories around capoeira origins and its enduring cultural legacy in Brazil and around the world. While no links to videos are provided, readers will surely head online after closing the pages to be swept up in capoeira performances themselves. [End Page 116] Copyright © 2023 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
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