"SPIRIT OF THE FAVELA" TAKES OVER EDINBURGH FRINGE 2025 IN A SPECTACLE EXPLOSION OF PERFORMANCE, MUSIC & RAW EMOTION
This summer, prepare to be entertained and amazed as a brand-new immersive spectacle experience lands in Edinburgh as part of the world-famous Fringe Festival. Spirit of the Favela, the debut production inside the dazzling Mirage Spiegeltent, is unlike anything the Fringe has seen before — a vibrant, pulse-raising tribute to the heart and soul of Rio de Janeiro’s favelas.
Running till August 24, 2025 at the Mirage Spiegeltent, based at the Gyle Shopping Centre (EH12 9JY), Spirit of the Favela blends breathtaking artistry, powerful physical theatre, and the infectious rhythms of samba, funk, and street percussion to tell a story of community, resistance, and joy.
The location of the Mirage Spiegeltent is just as unique as the show itself. Located close to Edinburgh Airport, Spirit of the Favela is your first stop on route to the Fringe Festival. Mirage Spiegeltent is proud to be one of the first venues to expand the festival throughout Edinburgh and bring the magic of performance and prestige to more people of the city, while giving more performance artists the opportunity to show their talents.
A Story that Dances, Flips, and Soars
At its core, Spirit of the Favela is a deeply human story. Using movement, music, and sheer physicality, it follows the lives of young dreamers growing up in a favela, where danger and hardship are met with rhythm, creativity, and fierce pride, the beating heart of real life in Brazil. Expect gravity-defying stunts, explosive group choreography, and visceral moments of stillness and emotion that speak louder than dialogue ever could.
“This is not a polished fairytale” says creator and director Julia Kirilova, debuting her first independent production from the UK’s famous Big Kid Entertainment. “Spirit of the Favela is raw, real, and utterly alive. It’s the sound of a drum echoing through alleyways. The sparkle of carnival despite the chaos. It’s people rising, dancing, flying.”
Inside the Mirage: A Venue Like No Other
The Mirage Spiegeltent is a spectacle all on its own — a grand, nostalgic cabaret style tent adorned with charm from the spirit of Brazil come to life. It’s a full-sensory, immersive experience where the line between performer and audience blurs.
Audiences will sit close to the action that brings every flip, beat, and emotion into your lap. The venue is also wheelchair accessible, welcoming all, and buzzing with energy from the moment you make your way through its arches.
This is the Fringe’s most electric new arrival, bringing international flair, a live original soundtrack, and a message that resonates globally — all wrapped in the adrenaline rush of performance and spectacle.
📍 Event Details:
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Show: Spirit of the Favela
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Venue: Mirage Spiegeltent, Gyle Shopping Centre, Edinburgh (EH12 9JY)
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Dates: 1st – 24th August 2025
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Age Recommendation: 14+
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Tickets: Available now at https://www.miragespiegeltent.co.uk/tickets-online
Follow behind the scenes, rehearsal sneak peeks, and more on Instagram: @mirage_spiegeltent or check out what’s next for Mirage here https://www.miragespiegeltent.co.uk/
