Comedian Fábio Porchat gives the run down on his best theatres in Rio
Rio de Janeiro is an endless pool of talented actors and actress of film, television and theatre. Theatre courses such as the famed Tablado from director Wolf Maya of the Contemporary Theatre Company, have produced some real talents. Many of them dream of having their debut on one of the stages across the city. Of course there are some who have already fulfilled this aspiration and that is the case of actor, scriptwriter, director, and gifted stand-up comedian Fábio Porchat. One of the funny faces of comedy channel Porta dos Fundos, Porchat who is currently performing on stage alongside actress Miá Mello in the play Meu Passado Me Condena, emphasises the variety to be found on Rio’s stages as he runs down his five best. “It’s possible to see a quite alternative programme or something mainstream at times even in the same neighbourhood.” Check out Porchat’s recommendations below, find a play and have fun.
Located in Gávea Shopping Mall, this is a very traditional theatre. Great actors and plays have graced the stage here, reason for Porchat to consider this theatre a Brazilian Broadway of sorts. Currently performing himself here Fridays to Sunday in the play Meu Passado Me Condena, Porchat assures us that there is no bias: “My association with this stage is an old one. I’ve done stand up here and other big shows. I’m not trying to plug my own stuff (laughs)” he jokes.
This theatre house is located in one of the most elegant closed spaces in Rio, the VillageMall. And the theatre is just as impressive as the mall. There are 1,060 seats, all of them extremely comfortable, exceptional sound quality and lighting second-to-none. As well as theatrical pieces, the space also hosts great national and international shows. All of this earns this theatre Porchat’s special affection: “It’s comfortable, pleasant, enjoyable and technically brilliant,” he guarantees.
Located in a beautiful colonial mansion in Botafogo, this congenial theatre arose from an initiative of two friends and great actresses, Marieta Severo and Andréa Beltrão. The pair contributed some of their own personal resources to make the space a reality and today it is one of the most important stages in Rio. Aside from the principal space, there is another smaller auditorium, the Poeirinha. As such, the programme is even more eclectic. “Here there is space for big shows but also alternative pieces too. What’s more, it’s a true delight and has helped to revitalise the area,” Porchat muses.
The auditorium takes the name of one of the greatest actors, directors and scriptwriters the country has seen: Miguel Falabella. And what better way to honour him than this imposing theatre located on the second floor of the Norte Shopping mall. Aside from its technical merits and the eclectic programme, Porchat highlights another particularity: the audience. “It’s a big theatre that always seems to fill with a great crowd. The pass this great energy on to those on stage and end up “infecting” [with good energy] those next to them,” Porchat confirms.
Apart from being another space offering an eclectic programme, which includes theatrical pieces, films, workshops and music shows, the Sesc Copacabana is also a hotel located just a few metres from the city’s most famous beach. Porchat has highlighted the Copacabana theatre, but reminded us that all of Sesc’s stages tend to put on great shows. “It tends to have a more alternative programme than the rest of the theatre spaces in the city,” he reminds us.
