SOAS, University of London (The School of Oriental and African Studies)

Valha meu deus’ – songs of freedom and protection

Capoeira is a game, a fight, a dance and a way of life. Developed amongst slaves and marginalised populations in Brazil, its roots are in expression, creativity and self-defence. Zoe Marriage has just returned from five months researching capoeira in Salvador, Brazil, and will present findings on how its music speaks to contemporary formulations of security. Zoe teaches Security in the Development Studies department at SOAS and wrote a blog during her research, which can be found here: http://capoeira-security.blogspot.co.uk/