“Donatello” returns to Rio for free new season

Solo musical “Donatello” returns to Rio for a free season at CCPJ from 11/17 to 12/3.After its Rio debut at Teatro Gláucio Gill in October, the musical Donatello, by Vitor Rocha, begins a new free season at the Centro Cultural do Poder Judiciário – CCPJ from November 17 to December 3. The production reaches the venue following strong audience reception and multiple award nominations.The show earned the Fita Award for Breakthrough Actor for Rocha and was a finalist for the Governor of the State Award for the Arts. It also received nominations at the Fita Award and the Digital Press Highlight Award. The production reunites Rocha, director Victoria Ariante and composer Elton Towersey, the team behind the acclaimed “Se Essa Lua Fosse Minha”.

“The reception from Rio’s audience with one of my first works, Se Essa Lua Fosse Minha, in 2023, was the warmest possible. So taking Donatello to Rio was a dream even before its São Paulo premiere. And now we will have another season in the city, this time for free”.

“Donatello” is Rocha’s eighth original show. The piece follows a boy who seeks to preserve his grandfather’s memories as he faces Alzheimer’s disease. The story uses ice cream flavors as metaphors for freezing moments and preventing memory loss. Themes include family, affection, friendship, aging and life choices.The narrative questions the memories we abandon and reflects on how quickly life moves. As the protagonist grows, he learns to cherish experiences that shape his life. Rocha shares the stage with pianist Felipe Sushi, who also provides scenic support.

“Donatello is a show with several themes that connects with the audience through emotional pathways. Viewers are touched by something that moves them”.

Director Victoria Ariante notes that the public is encouraged to reflect on choices, relationships and perspectives throughout the story. The plot follows the protagonist from childhood to adulthood, offering multiple identification points.Audience interaction is also part of the experience. Before each performance, spectators suggest words that are incorporated into the narrative, making every session unique and reinforcing the show’s emotional foundation.

“From the beginning, the idea was to go beyond exploring memories. It was about creating memories with the audience”.

Rocha explains that the show is not only about memory or illness but about human relationships and how they define our experiences. The piece works with dualities such as sweetness, hardship and the fleeting nature of life.

Credits

Text and Lyrics: Vitor RochaComposition and Musical Direction: Elton TowerseyDirection: Victória ArianteCast Coach and Assistant Director: Letícia HelenaLighting Design: Wagner PintoSound Design: Paulo AltafimMic Technician and Sound Operator: Thiago SilvaLight Operator: Yasmim LiraStage Technician: Batata RodriguezPianist and Scenic Support: Felipe SushiExecutive Production: Ana Paula MarinhoProduction Management: Luiza PortoPresented by: Centro Cultural do Poder Judiciário

Service

DonatelloSeason: November 17 to December 3Dates: 17 and 18, 24, 25 and 26/11 and 1, 2 and 3/12, at 6:30 p.m.Venue: Centro Cultural do Poder JudiciárioAddress: Rua Dom Manuel, 29 – CentroCapacity: 54 seatsTickets: freeDuration: 80 minGenre: MusicalRating: General audienceOnline tickets: available at SymplaInstagram: @donatelloteatro