“Constitucional” returns—and the audience gets to vote

In Constitucional, the audience votes on a new Constitution onstage at Teatro Dulcina, starting January 22 in downtown Rio.

The production reopens with a pointed premise: imagine a “Banana Republic” facing an attempted coup, fueled by claims of electoral fraud and political “possession.” The setup echoes contemporary anxieties and turns them into a live, uneasy conversation about how democracy can be tested—and rewritten—under pressure.

A documentary farce with audience participation

Five actors perform a documentary-style farce that builds toward the invasion of the Palace. At that moment, the audience is invited to take a position: spectators can vote on the direction of a new Constitution, while the characters reveal motives, contradictions, and the fallout of their own choices.

The show uses questions and answers to sharpen the debate. Rather than offering easy conclusions, it frames the stage as a space for listening and conflict—where public life, private desire, and political consequence collide.

Whose voices shape a “new pact”

Actress Thaís Ayomide highlights the importance of centering those often excluded from decision-making. “This play is very much about collectivity and about building a constitution that truly listens to the voices that exist in society,” she says.

Directed by Jeff Fagundes

Constitucional is directed by Jeff Fagundes—actor, director, playwright, theater producer, and president of the Brazil Center of the International Theatre Institute/UNESCO. He has created more than twenty national and international works staged in over 15 countries, and toured a solo show through Colombia, Spain, Zimbabwe, the Philippines, and Thailand.

“‘Constitucional’ comes from the urgency of giving theater back its place of conflict—of clashing ideas. We play with farce, caricature, and audience participation because that’s also our political reality: a democracy in dispute, where faces change but coups keep trying to rewrite themselves. Here, the audience votes, but it’s also called to think: what do we want to write into our new constitution?” Jeff notes.

Dates, tickets, and how to attend

The run goes from January 22 to February 1, 2026, at Teatro Dulcina. Tickets are priced at R$30 (full) and R$15 (half), sold via Sympla: https://www.sympla.com.br/evento/constitucional/3269087

Behind-the-scenes updates are available on Instagram at @constitucional.teatro. The project was selected by Pró-Carioca, the City of Rio’s cultural funding program through the Municipal Department of Culture, with support from Funarte.

Service

SHOW “CONSTITUCIONAL”

Season: January 22 to February 1, 2026 (Thursday to Sunday)

Venue: Teatro Dulcina

Rua Alcindo Guanabara, 17 – Centro

Sessions: Thu & Fri at 7pm; Sat at 3pm and 7pm; Sun at 6pm.

Tickets: R$30 full / R$15 half – Available at https://www.sympla.com.br/evento/constitucional/3269087

Instagram: @constitucional.teatro

Age rating: 14+

Photo: Levi Meirelles