“DeNegrir” merges dance, theater and poetry to expose racist expressions and celebrate Black heritage in Rio.
The performance “DeNegrir” arrives in Rio de Janeiro with a provocative and urgent message: to expose how common expressions such as “denegrir,” “criado-mudo” and “fazer nas coxas” carry racist connotations rooted in centuries of oppression. Directed by Fábio França and Salasar Junior, the piece runs between November 19 and 30 at different cultural venues, with free admission.
Art, protest and healing
Created and performed by Salasar Junior, “DeNegrir” is a multilingual performance that blends dance, theater, poetry, videography and sign language. Guided by an Afro-diasporic aesthetic, it transforms the stage into a space of denunciation and celebration. “The provocation begins with the title — many dictionaries define ‘denegrir’ as something negative, when it literally means ‘to make Black.’ That reveals how racism operates even in language,” says Salasar.
He describes the show as a poetic cry, a political act and a gesture of healing. The performance draws inspiration from thinkers such as Lélia Gonzalez, Frantz Fanon, Neusa Santos, Gabriel Nascimento and Achille Mbembe, who explore how language perpetuates racism and shapes identity.
Reclaiming language and identity
Co-director Fábio França describes “DeNegrir” as a call to recognize Black protagonism in Brazil’s history. “Black people didn’t invent racism, but they fight it every day. This show reminds us that being Black means being essential to science, culture, art, politics and every aspect of life,” he says.
The production also surveyed everyday expressions that reinforce racism. Salasar believes awareness is the first step toward change. “The dichotomy between light and dark, white and Black, seems harmless but undermines our identities. We must reclaim the power of the words that define us,” he emphasizes.
Homage and ancestry
“DeNegrir” pays tribute to icons of Black art and activism such as Abdias do Nascimento, Zezé Motta, Hilton Cobra, Elisa Lucinda, Grace Passô, Evani Tavares de Brito, Onisajé (Lucélia Sérgio) and Márcio Meirelles. “These artists paved the way for new generations through resistance and creativity,” notes França.
More than a performance, “DeNegrir” is a manifesto of identity and memory — a work that educates, moves and challenges audiences to leave transformed.
Service
Show: DeNegrir
Directors: Fábio França and Salasar Junior
Production: eLabore.Kom | Project DeBonde
Age rating: 16+
Date: November 22
Venue: Areninha Cultural Herbert Vianna
Time: 6 p.m.
Admission: Free
Dates: November 28–29 at 7 p.m. | November 30 at 6 p.m.
Venue: Teatro Cacilda Becker
Admission: Free
