“Donatello” returns to Rio for free new season

Solo musical “Donatello” returns to Rio for a free season at CCPJ from 11/17 to 12/3.

After its Rio debut at Teatro Gláucio Gill in October, the musical Donatello, by Vitor Rocha, begins a new free season at the Centro Cultural do Poder Judiciário – CCPJ from November 17 to December 3. The production reaches the venue following strong audience reception and multiple award nominations.

The show earned the Fita Award for Breakthrough Actor for Rocha and was a finalist for the Governor of the State Award for the Arts. It also received nominations at the Fita Award and the Digital Press Highlight Award. The production reunites Rocha, director Victoria Ariante and composer Elton Towersey, the team behind the acclaimed “Se Essa Lua Fosse Minha”.

“The reception from Rio’s audience with one of my first works, Se Essa Lua Fosse Minha, in 2023, was the warmest possible. So taking Donatello to Rio was a dream even before its São Paulo premiere. And now we will have another season in the city, this time for free”.

“Donatello” is Rocha’s eighth original show. The piece follows a boy who seeks to preserve his grandfather’s memories as he faces Alzheimer’s disease. The story uses ice cream flavors as metaphors for freezing moments and preventing memory loss. Themes include family, affection, friendship, aging and life choices.

The narrative questions the memories we abandon and reflects on how quickly life moves. As the protagonist grows, he learns to cherish experiences that shape his life. Rocha shares the stage with pianist Felipe Sushi, who also provides scenic support.

“Donatello is a show with several themes that connects with the audience through emotional pathways. Viewers are touched by something that moves them”.

Director Victoria Ariante notes that the public is encouraged to reflect on choices, relationships and perspectives throughout the story. The plot follows the protagonist from childhood to adulthood, offering multiple identification points.

Audience interaction is also part of the experience. Before each performance, spectators suggest words that are incorporated into the narrative, making every session unique and reinforcing the show’s emotional foundation.

“From the beginning, the idea was to go beyond exploring memories. It was about creating memories with the audience”.

Rocha explains that the show is not only about memory or illness but about human relationships and how they define our experiences. The piece works with dualities such as sweetness, hardship and the fleeting nature of life.

Credits

Text and Lyrics: Vitor Rocha

Composition and Musical Direction: Elton Towersey

Direction: Victória Ariante

Cast Coach and Assistant Director: Letícia Helena

Lighting Design: Wagner Pinto

Sound Design: Paulo Altafim

Mic Technician and Sound Operator: Thiago Silva

Light Operator: Yasmim Lira

Stage Technician: Batata Rodriguez

Pianist and Scenic Support: Felipe Sushi

Executive Production: Ana Paula Marinho

Production Management: Luiza Porto

Presented by: Centro Cultural do Poder Judiciário

Service

Donatello

Season: November 17 to December 3

Dates: 17 and 18, 24, 25 and 26/11 and 1, 2 and 3/12, at 6:30 p.m.

Venue: Centro Cultural do Poder Judiciário

Address: Rua Dom Manuel, 29 – Centro

Capacity: 54 seats

Tickets: free

Duration: 80 min

Genre: Musical

Rating: General audience

Online tickets: available at Sympla

Instagram: @donatelloteatro