Stories from the Billings Reservoir inspire new play in São Paulo

“Na Beira da Imensidão – Sul-Realistic Stories” reveals daily life from São Paulo’s southern outskirts and the spiritual power of the Billings waters.The collective Núcleo Pele brings its new creation to the stage in April, with nine performances across three cultural venues in São Paulo: Brava Companhia (Campo Limpo), Quilombaque (Perus), and Galeria Olido (Downtown). The season runs from April 3 to 24 as part of the VAI II Cultural Program (2025/2026 edition).Directed by Débora Marçal and written by Rafael Cristiano, the play draws upon stories from the Grajaú neighborhood and the community’s relationship with the Billings Reservoir. The staging blends realism and symbolism, merging Afro-Brazilian and Indigenous cosmologies to explore memory, ancestry, and community belonging.

“It’s like diving into everyday peripheral life to find what we call enchantment in this play.” — Rafael Cristiano

The narrative weaves together fragments of daily life — friendship, solitude, joy, gossip — creating a poetic mosaic of invisible layers that shape the peripheral experience. Through these stories, Núcleo Pele celebrates the sensibility and resilience of marginal territories.The creative process incorporated voices from local residents, such as Reinaldo, a fisherman from Prainha (Grajaú), and contributors Luciana Beco and Laís Guimarães, who work on community projects tied to the waters. The production continues the group’s long-term research into peripheral and marginal theater practices.Staging the play in 2026 also commemorates the centennial of the Billings Reservoir, reflecting on its emotional, cultural, and environmental impact on the city’s southern communities.

Service

Na Beira da Imensidão – Sul-Realistic StoriesBrava Companhia – Campo Limpo Rua Vitório, 77 – Vila Prel Apr 3 (Thu), Apr 4 (Fri) – 8 PM; Apr 5 (Sat) – 4 PM Dramaturgy workshop with Rafael Cristiano – Apr 4, 3:30–7 PM Talk with Salloma Salomão after Apr 5.Quilombaque – Perus Travessa Cambaratiba, 05 – Perus Apr 10 (Thu) – 8 PM; Apr 11 (Fri) – 7 PM; Apr 12 (Sat) – 6 PM Directing workshop with Débora Marçal – Apr 11, 2:30–6 PM Talk with Jéssica Olaegbe after Apr 11.Galeria Olido – Downtown Av. São João, 473 – Centro Histórico Apr 21 (Mon) – 7 PM; Apr 22 (Tue) – 8 PM; Apr 24 (Thu) – 8 PM Talk with Laís Cáfari on Apr 21.Photo: Divulgação