A doc on sex work, a book on Brazilian folk culture, and workshops in theater and dance: Porão Cultural‘s April lineup is a standout in São Paulo’s indie arts scene.
An independent space dedicated to artistic training and cultural diffusion in the Barra Funda neighborhood, Porão Cultural rolls out a multidisciplinary April program spanning theater, film, literature, dance, circus, music, and visual arts — all just 250 meters from the metro.
When the Sex Worker Speaks: a documentary that challenges stigma
One of the highlights of the month is the screening of “Quando a Puta Fala” (When the Sex Worker Speaks), the directorial debut of multimedia artist Seyva. Made with and by sex workers, the short documentary weaves together sexuality, politics, and first-person lived experience in a film that refuses to look away. Screenings are free every Wednesday at 10 PM. The venue also welcomes other filmmakers interested in showing their work.
Made with and by sex workers, the film challenges stigma by weaving together sexuality, politics, and first-person lived experiences.
Literature: from Fandango Caiçara to the book club
On April 24 at 7 PM, the space hosts the launch of “A Comunicação da Cultura Popular: o Fandango Caiçara em Perspectiva” by researcher Rodrigo Fonseca. The book examines the traditional Fandango Caiçara — a coastal Brazilian folk practice — as a phenomenon of popular communication and culture.
The Book Club, facilitated by Jane Oliveira, meets twice weekly. On Wednesdays, from 4 PM to 6 PM, the group reads “Sabedoria dos Cipós” by Dénètem Touam Bona. On Saturdays, from 9 AM to 11 AM, the reading is “Is This Art?” by Will Gompertz.
Workshops in theater, Afro dance, and movement for 60+
Three workshops are open for enrollment in April. Domingos José leads “Building a Comic Narrator” on Mondays (April 6, 13, 20, and 27) at 8 PM. “Reinventing the Body in Maturity”, designed for participants 60 and older, is taught by Wagner Monthero, also on Mondays from 4 PM to 6 PM. Jorge Nadlozy‘s Afro Dance Workshop takes place on Fridays (April 3, 10, 17, and 24) from 7 PM to 9 PM.
Body practices and regular programming
The body-centered programming includes yoga classes with Ana Maria on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 PM to 7 PM, and Tuesdays from 5 PM to 6 PM. On Sundays at 10 AM, Wil Gomes leads yoga sessions. Aerial fabric classes run every Wednesday at 7 PM, with trial sessions available upon registration.
Regular offerings include Choir and Singing with Camila Sant’Ana (Wednesdays, 8 PM), Figurative Clay Sculpture with Priscila Corbo (Mondays, 9 AM and 2 PM), Introduction to Figure Drawing with Carlos Morgani (Mondays, 7 PM), and Live Model Drawing sessions throughout the week.
On Sundays from 2 PM to 5 PM, Photo Chopp brings together photography enthusiasts. On Thursdays, Circo no Porão presents circus acts at 8 PM followed by live music at 9 PM. On April 26, starting at 9 AM, the Arts & Vintage Fair fills the space with guest exhibitors.
The Valéria Di Pietro Stage Room remains available for 24-hour rental, subject to availability, serving artists and collectives for rehearsals and performances.
Event Info
- Workshop: Building a Comic Narrator — Mondays (Apr 6, 13, 20 & 27), 8 PM, with Domingos José
- Workshop: Reinventing the Body in Maturity (60+) — Mondays, 4–6 PM, with Wagner Monthero
- Workshop: Afro Dance — Fridays (Apr 3, 10, 17 & 24), 7–9 PM, with Jorge Nadlozy
- Screening: Quando a Puta Fala — Wednesdays, 10 PM. Free admission. Dir: Seyva
- Book Club — Wednesdays, 4–6 PM (“Sabedoria dos Cipós”); Saturdays, 9–11 AM (“Is This Art?”). Facilitator: Jane Oliveira
- Book Launch: “A Comunicação da Cultura Popular: o Fandango Caiçara em Perspectiva” by Rodrigo Fonseca — Apr 24, 7 PM
- Yoga — Mon & Wed, 6–7 PM; Tue, 5–6 PM (Ana Maria); Sun, 10 AM (Wil Gomes)
- Aerial Fabric — Wednesdays, 7 PM
- Choir & Singing — Wednesdays, 8 PM, with Camila Sant’Ana
- Figurative Clay Sculpture — Mondays, 9 AM & 2 PM, with Priscila Corbo
- Introduction to Figure Drawing — Mondays, 7 PM, with Carlos Morgani
- Live Model Drawing — Throughout the week
- Photo Chopp — Sundays, 2–5 PM
- Circo no Porão — Thursdays, 8 PM; live music, 9 PM
- Arts & Vintage Fair — Apr 26, from 9 AM
- Valéria Di Pietro Stage Room — 24h rental, subject to availability
- Address: Rua Lopes de Oliveira, 610 — Barra Funda, São Paulo. 250 meters from Marechal Deodoro Station (Metro Line 3–Red)
- Instagram: @porao.cultural
- Email: poraoculturalsp@gmail.com
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