The Porosity of Borders Between Genres of Uruguayan Carnival: A Study of the Murga Ensemble Sing a Roos

Abstract

Through a study of the murga group Sing a Roos, this paper problematizes the boundaries between genres of Uruguayan Carnival, as expressed in the "categories" that define the Official Competition of Montevideo. To this end, the paper briefly defines murga and parody as genres of Uruguayan Carnival theater, and provides various examples of recently staged carnival shows that stretch the boundaries between genres, both within the framework of the Official Competition and the Youth Murga Contest. This is followed by a study of the show Desvirtuado, presented in 2024 by the murga ensemble Sing a Roos. The methodological strategy of the investigation includes the interpretation of audiovisual recordings, an analysis of the performance text, and an interview with the people who created the collective. The evaluation of the show by the Contest jury is also considered. The paper concludes that the show Desvirtuado plays with the boundaries between carnival genres by incorporating stylistic elements and key aspects of parody into a murga show. In this process, the performance visibilizes the porosity of the limits between "categories".