Brazilian mime company Etc e Tal opens Don Quixote in March in Rio — no words, no limits, just pure physical storytelling.
A classic reborn through movement
A funnel becomes a helmet. A feather duster turns into a lance. A trash can lid transforms into a shield. That is how Cia Etc e Tal reimagines Don Quixote — through gesture, rhythm and the sheer power of the body. The show opens on March 7, 2026, at Teatro Glaucio Gill in Copacabana, running until March 29.
Designed for children aged 5 and up — but equally compelling for adults — the production runs on Saturdays and Sundays at 4 PM. Not a single word is spoken throughout.
Three decades of physical theater
Founded over thirty years ago, Etc e Tal is one of Brazil’s most acclaimed physical theater companies, with a long track record of international recognition for its work in mime and visual dramaturgy. This new production is part of the Etc e Tal 30+ anniversary project, supported by Funarte’s Program for Continued Artistic Actions.
Director and performer Alvaro Assad — a leading figure in contemporary Brazilian mime — shares the stage with Márcio Moura. Together, they embody Don Quixote, Sancho Panza, Dulcinea, the Knight of the Moon and a full cast of imaginary figures, using nothing but their bodies.
Comedy arises from the body in action, from the precision of gesture and the intelligence of theatrical play — the unmistakable signature of Cia Etc e Tal.
Visual craft and full accessibility
The production features an exceptional creative team: makeup and props by Cleber de Oliveira, costumes by Fernanda Sabino, original score by Rodrigo Lima, lighting by Aurélio Oliosi and illustrations by Flávio Souza woven throughout as poetic imagery. Every element deepens the emotional impact of a show that relies entirely on visual language.
LIBRAS interpreter Diana Dantas is fully integrated into the performance, reflecting the company’s commitment to accessibility and expanding the reach of theater to all audiences.
Institutional support and recognition
Don Quixote received the Prêmio Fluxos Fluminenses – Patrocínio de Montagem (Fluminense Flows Award – Production Grant). The show is presented by the Federal Government of Brazil, Ministry of Culture, State Government of Rio de Janeiro and State Secretariat of Culture and Creative Economy, through the Aldir Blanc National Policy.
Event info
Show: Don Quixote — Cia Etc e Tal
Opening night: March 7, 2026
Run: March 7–29, 2026, Saturdays and Sundays at 4 PM
Age recommendation: 5 and up
Venue: Teatro Glaucio Gill — Praça Cardeal Arcoverde, s/n, Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro
Tickets: R$ 30 (full price) and R$ 15 (half price) — At the box office and online: https://funarj.eleventickets.com
Photo: Tercianne Melo
