Hampton Roads, Virginia. We won’t talk about Bruno, but we’ll definitely talk about the local talent that brought Pixar’s hits to life.
Two dozen actors, performers, directors and photographers from Hampton Roads have come together for a viral multimedia project based on the 2021 film Encanto, in which they perform their favorite few songs from the film’s soundtrack.
Yes, that includes Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “We Don’t Talk About Bruno,” which made history in February when Disney announced a number two hit on the Top 100 singles chart.
Philip Odango of Canvas Cosplay is a Norfolk-based director, producer and costume designer who conceived the Encanto Cosplay Project, which highlights local landmarks such as the Norfolk Botanical Gardens, the Hermitage, gardens and stage lighting.
“Hampton Roads is full of diverse talent and organizations,” Odango said. “Performance matters and our community is full of happy stories of creativity and passion, and the people who live those stories.”
Odango worked with the film’s production designer Lorelai Bove and lead costume designer Nessy Bove to gain insight into the animation costume designs. He visited the backstage of the Mexican Ballet at the Sandler Performing Arts Center to study Latin costumes.
With support from JOANN Fabrics and Fabric Hut, the creative has also handcrafted over 30 pieces of clothing from his studio in Norfolk’s NEON Arts District and For All Handkind artists’ cooperative at the MacArthur Center.
“Encanto Cosplay Project” even received rave reviews from the people who created it. Directors Jared Bush and Byron Howard tweeted, while actress Jessica Darrow, who played Louise Madrigal, thanked the performers on Instagram.
The Latin American performers involved in the project said it was a way to reconnect with their Latin heritage.
“As a Colombian person of color adopted into a white family and environment, it was easy to run into identity issues as a child. “Encanto” is all about belonging, family, and “you’re not just your gift.” Lessons are one of those things I need to hear,” said Angelique Michele, who starred in the film, Mirabelle Madrigal.
Similarly, Isla Shai Castane, who plays Dolores Madrigal, said, “Black people are deeply rooted in the fabric of Latin America. Hispanics have always been black. We have always been here. Our contribution to Latin culture will always be there.” Dolores” character asserts in so many ways and embodying her – even for a day – makes me feel like I’m being seen and taking up space is something I will never shy away from because little Ella deserves it. Ella deserves it now And the Ella of the future deserves the inclusive world that I have built and continue to build by just being myself with no apologies,” Casta said inside.
If you’re planning to visit the Tidewater Comicon in Virginia Beach on Saturday, May 14, you can meet many of the performers at the Encanto themed photo booth.
You can watch other “Encanto Cosplay Project” videos and some of Odango’s other work on the official YouTube channel here.
Post time: Sep-26-2022