Júlio Cerdeira MANUAL DE DEFESA

In *MANUAL DE DEFESA*, Júlio Cerdeira creates a piece situated between theoretical essay and bodily practices, bringing together contact improvisation, jiu-jitsu and queer affect. The performance starts from the idea of defense as a physical, political and affective gesture, linking protection, identity and resistance.

On stage, two queer bodies face attempts at erasure and transform the theatrical space into a place of affirmation, love-making and self-redefinition. The creation brings together dance, martial arts training and unarmed self-defense, in a work that also calls on collective care and the fight against hate speech and disinformation.