Gabriel Villela’s Seneca Medea Debuts at Sesc

Gabriel Villela directs Seneca’s Medea starring Rosana Stavis, Mariana Muniz, and Walderez de Barros. National premiere on Jan 29, 2026, at Sesc Consolação, delving into rage, ageism, and violence.

Rage Unleashed on Stage

Seneca’s tragedies rarely hit Brazilian stages due to their raw violence. His Medea, penned centuries after Euripides, reexamines the myth of a vengeful mother killing her children after Jason’s betrayal.

The production spotlights ageism, as society discards aging women. Three actresses portray Medea: Rosana Stavis, Mariana Muniz, and special guest Walderez de Barros.

The cast features Jorge Emil, Claudio Fontana, Plínio Soares, Letícia Teixeira, and Gabriel Sobreiro. Director Gabriel Villela highlights the internal conflict and dramatic buildup.

“It’s shorter and far more violent. His tragedies amplify what we call excess: rage and wrath drive everything he wrote”.

Villela notes. Medea appears as a betrayed foreigner, mirroring women’s issues and harm to nature.

Stoicism and Human Accountability

Seneca, a Stoicism leader, championed moderation and self-control. His plays shift excess from gods to humans.

“All his tragedies showcase this philosophy”, says assistant director Ivan Andrade. J.C. Serroni’s set draws from mambembe circus-theater and palace designs.

Villela’s 27 costumes incorporate Brazilian cerrado forest elements. Nature narrates human horrors.

Synopsis and Credits

Betrayed by Jason’s marriage to Creusa, Medea poisons her rival and slays their sons in revenge.

Credits: Author: Seneca. Translation: Ricardo Duarte. Direction & Costumes: Gabriel Villela. Cast: Walderez de Barros (special), Rosana Stavis, Mariana Muniz, Jorge Emil, Claudio Fontana, Plínio Soares, Letícia Teixeira, Gabriel Sobreiro. Set: J.C. Serroni. Lighting: Wagner Freire. Score: Carlos Zhimber. Full production team listed.

Ticket Info

Medea

Sesc Consolação – Teatro Anchieta – Rua Dr. Vila Nova, 245 – Vila Buarque, São Paulo – SP

Phone: 11 3234-3000

Run: Jan 29 to Mar 8, 2026

Times: Thu-Fri-Sat at 8pm. Sun at 6pm.

Special shows: Feb 14 (Sat, 6pm); Feb 26 & Mar 5 (Thu, 3pm).

Capacity: 280 seats. Duration: 80 min. Rating: 16+.

Tickets: R$70 (full), R$35 (half), R$21 (full credential).

Online sales: from Jan 20, 5pm, at centralrelacionamento.sescsp.org.br & Sesc SP App.

In-person: from Jan 21, 5pm, at Sesc São Paulo box offices.

Photography: João Caldas Fº