Melina Brufman & Claudio Gonzalez
In Tango Encoded Episodes
(Episodios Cifrados de Tango)

October 12 & 13, 2007, 8pm
at GW Lisner Auditorium, Washington DC
www.lisner.org

Tickets available at the Lisner Box Office, Ticketmaster Outlets, PhoneCharge (301) 808-6900 and on line at www.ticketmaster.com.

Watch Show Preview Video

This play represents a very modern and innovative approach to the concept of tango show - one where the artists elevate their work over being simply a musical revue and place it at a theatrical level, using tango as a form of art, yet retaining its authenticity. To be enjoyed by all who appreciate theater, ballet, modern dance, and, of course, tango.

In each episode, unique personalities relate to each other by sharing the conflicts that arise from their bonds—conflicts that deal with their human condition—as they pass through unions and breakups, imitations and metamorphoses. The tango couple is a cell that holds all the material of life, in all its potential, waiting to be realized.

While using tango first and foremost, although some exponents belong to different aspects of the genre (Pugliese, Piazzolla, Color Tango, Sexteto mayor), the choreographers also took advantage of other branches of music: percussion in “THE PREY,” flamenco interpretations of traditional tangos in “THE BREAKUP,” music of the composer Emir Kusturcia, and the zamba in the “CAPTIVES” episode by Facundo Ramirez.

Performed by Melina Brufman, Claudio González, and Guillermo Fernández

Who They Are
Applauded in the most prestigious theatres in the world, they keep charming their audience. Claudio Gonzalez and Melina Brufman, great Argentinean dancers, whose technical ability and artistic versatility seems very difficult
to match, can be considered a turning point in the development of the Tango Argentino on stage. Their expressive gifts come together with an incredible charisma and scenic presence.

Dancers of surprising theatrical power, Claudio Gonzalez & Melina Brufman stand out for their remarkable work on the world’s most prestigious stages: Broadway’s Schubert Theater, the Kodak in L.A., Miami’s Jackie Gleason theater, and the Teresa Carreño of Caracas, among many others.

Their career with the big tango musicals, such as “Forever Tango” and "Tanguera,” allowed them to explore very dissimilar styles, while broadening their versatility as interpreters and developing scenic criteria that at present one sees reflected in numerous choreographic creations.

Currently they are chief choreographers and art directors of the show "Che Tango," which also features them as lead dancers. Their particular style has become a trademark of distinction, marking them as exponents of dramatic possibility in the Argentine tango. As teachers, they have participated with great success in several festivals all around the world, such as COSMOTANGO, Festival Metropolitano, and the special thematic classes of the Tango World Championship.

Together Claudio and Melina created “Tango Pulenta” (www.tangopulenta.com), a signature that defines both quality and style. Tango Pulenta´s choreographies have infused new life to classic tango shows and have instilled passion for dance into many promising young dancers. From all these tango shows, “Tango Encoded Episodes”, its latest creation, represents a perfect fusion between contemporary dance, classic tango, acting, and that special extra that comes from their very personal style.

CITA 2004 Performance Video - Pata Ancha

CITA 2004 Performance Video - Patético

Berlin Tango Festival 2007 Performance I

Berlin Tango Festival 2007 Performance II

Claudio Gonzalez and Fernando Gracia Performance Video