Brazilian theater company reimagines the fairy tale classic in an African kingdom, with a Black princess at the center of a bold, culturally rich production. Companhia Teatral Queimados Encena is presenting a powerful new take on Sleeping Beauty at Teatro Ruth de Souza, in the bohemian Santa Teresa neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro. The show runs through March 29, every Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m.
A fairy tale set in an African kingdom
Conceived and directed by Leandro Santanna, the production relocates the familiar story to a fictional African kingdom. The heroine is Princess Nandi, played by actress Maria Vitória Rodrigues, who falls into a deep slumber after pricking her finger on the thorn of a dendezeiro — an African oil palm — following a curse cast by an evil sorceress. Only the kiss of true love can break the spell. Supported by the Sesi-Firjan public arts grant, the show weaves elements of African culture and mythology throughout every layer of the production — costumes, set design, original score, and choreography. Its ambitions reach well beyond children’s entertainment.
“We have always absorbed beauty standards imposed on all of us. I want to make my small contribution so that Black children see themselves as beautiful — because they truly are.” — Leandro Santanna, director
Representation as a political and artistic act
The production explicitly aims to empower Black children while shining a light on the longstanding absence of Black characters in classic fairy tales. Art director Marcelo Viégas frames it as a celebration: “Bringing the colors, the brilliance, and the beauty of African culture into the world of fairy tales is a great joy and a celebration of our ancestry. We want to show children African nobility — the royalty of Black people expressed through gesture, music, dress, and the richness of colors and patterns that stand out in the costumes, set, and props.”
A cast bridging generations
Alongside Maria Vitória Rodrigues as Princess Nandi, the cast features Leley Ferreira as Prince Samory, Leona Kali as Fairy Godmother Onira, Naira Fernandes as the evil witch Kahina, Leandro Santanna as King Ejúsi, and Tatiana Henrique as Queen Tiyê. One of the production’s most moving stories belongs to Naira Fernandes, who returns to the stage at 72 years old after nearly 20 years away from acting. “The presence of these bodies and lived experiences on stage is a political and artistic act — one that reaffirms narratives, breaks stereotypes, and expands the possibilities of representation for audiences,” she says.
About Queimados Encena
Founded over 20 years ago, Companhia Teatral Queimados Encena has staged more than 20 theatrical productions and runs ongoing projects including dramatized reading circles, authorial literary salons, theater workshops for all ages, and musical and literary events.
Production Credits
Direction and Concept: Leandro Santanna Adaptation: Osmar Rezzende and Tatiana Henrique Costumes, Set, Accessories and Props: Marcelo Viégas Movement Direction, Body Preparation and Choreography: Valéria Mona Original Score and Sound Effects: Ivan Machado Songs: Tatiana Henrique and Osmar Rezzende Voice-over “Encantada”: Cyda Moreno Lighting: Rafa Domi Costume Maker: Rosekeli Silva Set Technician: Uel Barros Production Assistants: Osmar Rezzende and Leticia de Morais Producers: Leandro Santanna and Marcelo Viégas Press: Alessandra Costa Cast: Maria Vitória Rodrigues, Leley Ferreira, Leona Kali, Naira Fernandes, Leandro Santanna and Tatiana Henrique
Event Info
Show: Sleeping Beauty — Companhia Teatral Queimados Encena Dates: Through March 29, 2026, every Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m. Venue: Teatro Ruth de Souza — Parque Glória Maria, Rua Murtinho Nobre, 169, Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro Tickets: R$ 30.00 (full price) / R$ 15.00 (half price) Photo: Caio Cezar
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