Shakespeare may not have been known for his samba moves, but that hasn’t stopped the Brazilian Cênica company from serving up his tale of star-crossed lovers in bite-size cabaret-style form. The fact that Romeo And Juliet is also the nickname for the post-dinner Brazilian snack of cheese and guava speaks volumes. Opposites attract. 

Throw in the greatest hits of best-selling Brazilian crooner Roberto Carlos, aka ‘the king’ (like Elvis, Elton and The Beatles rolled into one, apparently, pop pickers) and the scene is set for a piece of serious fun that looks at conflict, cultural division and colonialism in a cross-language, cross-genre confection. 

With seven people on stage doubling up as the band in Fagner Rodrigues’ wild production, the result of this contribution to this year’s São Paulo Showcase is a bilingual feast. It may start early doors, but it’s never too early to carnival. Just desserts all round.

Cheese And Guava Or Romeo And Juliet, Summerhall, until 25 August, 10.35am; main picture: Guilherme Di Curzio.