North American Premiere

Blame Walt Disney for burning onto our brains images of dwarves as cute, benign, and asexual. Now bury those images along with the rest of the Disney drivel, and enter the world of Pindorama, a circus run by seven Brazilian siblings whose identities rest on the absolute normalcy that belies their physical stature.

Circus life was not a place of refuge for these dwarves; on the contrary, it was the family business. After their father’s death, the seven brothers and sisters stayed with the nomadic circus life, and a hierarchy and division of labor seemed to arise naturally. Stories of dominance, power, and sex coming from the mouths of dwarves shatter any preconceptions (and misconceptions) about the general virility of so-called “little” people.

Accompanying the colorful portraits of the dwarves are many songs tailor-made for their standout personalities. Prevalent, too, are scenes from their individual circus acts, which range from pure slapstick to unabashed burlesque. Brazilian audiences love the show, whether they view the dwarves as inherently funny because of their size or truly appreciate their talents. These seven unique individuals have created a lifestyle that rises above small-minded people.

-Deborah L. Jaramillo