Barro Rojo Arte Escénico (BRAE): 41 Years of Dance, Expression, and Social Impact
For the past 41 years, Barro Rojo Arte Escénico (BRAE) has been a powerful voice on the stage, using choreography to bring the realities of our social environment to life. Founded in 1982 at the Autonomous University of Guerrero and later relocating to Mexico City, BRAE has become a hub for creative expression, performer and choreographer training, and raising social awareness.
In a recent interview with The Day, Laura Rocha, the artistic director and founder of BRAE, shared what motivates her to continue this journey. She spoke passionately about her commitment to causes close to her heart, including advocating for women in search of their missing children and championing the cause of female empowerment and equality.
Rocha emphasized the importance of addressing issues such as the plight of migrants, both in Latin America and Europe, where she has witnessed the suffering of people in search of a better life. Additionally, she stressed the need for economic recognition and equal conditions in the performing arts profession.
BRAE has consistently brought social issues to the forefront of its performances. The company believes in celebrating life, acknowledging the strength to fight for change, and shedding light on pressing social concerns.
One notable example of their socially conscious work is “Omission four three,” a production that centers on the missing Ayotzinapa normal students, a topic that deeply resonates with their mission.
To mark their 41st anniversary, BRAE will grace the stage at the Esperanza Iris City Theater with the program “40 and one.” This program features choreographies that encourage reflection on both social reality and the human spirit. Additionally, a commemorative plaque will be unveiled to celebrate this milestone.
For BRAE, dance is a transformative force that shapes individuals and fosters a deeper connection with reality. They believe that every audience member becomes an essential part of the creative process, allowing them to engage emotionally with the performance.
The upcoming works will explore themes like familial bonds, love, the absence of a father figure, and the quest for one’s path in life. These themes, although emotionally charged, are the driving force behind BRAE’s artistic endeavors.
At the Esperanza Iris City Theater, Barro Rojo will premiere “From Sunset to Silence,” a poignant journey through the twilight of life toward the serenity of silence. The second work, “I’m not leaving, I’m just flying… (To Sabín),” examines the complexities of family ties and the psychological impact of the paternal figure.
Rocha collaborated with the B cast, composed of emerging talents, for this program. She was inspired by their dedication and energy, which injected new life into the project.
While the energy of young performers is undeniably strong, BRAE also values the contributions of experienced individuals like Roberto Solís and Julio Hernández, as well as other artists who have embarked on their creative journeys.
With over four decades of experience as a teacher at the National Institute of Fine Arts and Literature, Rocha has not given up hope of one day establishing a contemporary dance school. She envisions a space where their dance and life philosophy can fully flourish, considering it a lifelong commitment.
In “40 and one,” dedicated to the communities of Tlalpan, artists including Paulina Juárez, Luisa Ocampo, Teseida Pimentel, Laura Vargas, Miguel Gamero, Julio Hernández, Roberto Solís, César Zarco, and Levi Yáñez will participate, along with guest dancers from the Nueva Guardia Cast B program.
BRAE’s anniversary performance is set for today at 8:30 p.m. at the Esperanza Iris City Theater in the Historic Center of Donceles 36.