Telmo Branco: Unpacking Oppression Through Art
Meet Telmo Branco, a bold voice in the realm of interdisciplinary art and activism. Telmo’s work dismantles oppressive structures through raw, personal storytelling and dynamic performance. Born and raised in Portugal, Telmo is a contemporary artist whose creations weave autobiographical narratives with broader social and political critiques. They use their artistry to challenge colonial legacies and internalized oppression, shining a spotlight on the uncomfortable truths that often lie hidden.
From contemporary dance to sound design and documentary film, Telmo’s versatility knows no bounds. Their unique perspective as a white, queer, nonbinary artist from Portugal allows them to confront themes of identity, power, and resistance in ways that resonate deeply across cultural lines.
FLÓBÉR: A Multidisciplinary Act of Resistance
Telmo Branco’s latest project, FLÓBÉR, is a performance that refuses to pull punches. Created and performed alongside Ren Mauney, FLÓBÉR delves into the unsettling symbiosis between family structures and nation-states in perpetuating dictatorial and colonial practices. The performance brings together autobiographical theater, contemporary dance, evocative soundscapes, and documentary film to explore themes of colonial love and internalized oppression.
At its core, FLÓBÉR asks: “When do we become our own oppressor? When do we become the oppressor of others?” These questions are tackled through the perspectives of two white, queer nonbinary individuals—one Portuguese, one American—who share a history of living in Portugal. This powerful intercontinental dialogue sheds light on the instrumentalization of the family unit as a tool for societal control, revealing the deep cultural imprints of oppression across different contexts.
Behind the Scenes: The Team and Support
FLÓBÉR is a collective labor of love, featuring a talented and passionate team:
Creation, Sound Design, and Performance: Telmo Branco
Performance and Co-Dramaturgy: Ren Mauney
Financial Management: ORG.I.A - ORGANIZAÇÃO, INVESTIGAÇÃO E ARTES - ASSOCIAÇÃO
Promotional Video: Vitor Hugo Costa / Metafilmes, Sergio Brilha, and Telmo Branco
Promotional Photography: Sara Corvo and Telmo Branco
Graphic Design: Telmo Branco
Supported by a network of collaborators, including Goethe-Institut Lisboa, Teatro Papa Léguas, and Berliner Ringtheater, FLÓBÉR also received financial backing from Direção-Geral das Artes and other esteemed cultural institutions. The performance benefited from residencies at Polo Cultural Gaivotas | Boavista and Estúdios Victor Córdon, among others.
Don’t Miss FLÓBÉR in Berlin
FLÓBÉR takes the stage at the Berliner Ringtheater on December 12, 13, 14, and 15 at 19:30.
This is more than just a performance; it’s a visceral confrontation with the legacies of colonialism and the oppressive dynamics that persist within us and our societies. Check out the trailer here!
Tickets and venue information are available at Berliner Ringtheater.
This is your invitation to witness art that challenges, disrupts, and inspires. Telmo Branco and their incredible team have created something unforgettable. Don’t miss it!