Grace Gianoukas starts 2026 at Teatro Rival Petrobras with the award-winning monologue “Born to Be Dercy”, a tribute to Dercy Gonçalves. The show earned awards for the actress and director Kiko Rieser.
Grace Gianoukas Returns to Rival Stage
Currently starring as Jocasta in the soap opera Eta Mundo Melhor!, Grace Gianoukas launches the year at the iconic Teatro Rival Petrobras. The monologue, written and directed by Kiko Rieser, premiered in 2023 and has drawn over 40,000 viewers.
This cultural resistance hub was a second home for Dercy Gonçalves. She built her legacy as one of Brazil’s top comedians there. The production now offers three exclusive shows from January 16 to 18.
“Avoid stripping in any job. A nude old woman is a transgression that sparks questions, and that’s art”, Grace recalls Dercy saying.
Grace won the APCA and SHELL awards (2024) for best actress, plus I Love PRIO (2024) for best performance. Kiko Rieser took home the Bibi Ferreira (2023) for best original dramaturgy. It was also nominated for CENIM and Miguel Arcanjo.
Tribute to Dercy Gonçalves’ Legacy
Dercy (1907-2008) passed at 101 without stage tributes until now. Grace delved into her life of inner-city displacement and solitary fight for freedom. “She turned pain into joy for Brazilians”, the actress notes.
Kiko Rieser, captivated by Dercy’s authenticity, crafted this as historical rescue. “She revolutionized Brazilian theater and paved paths for female autonomy”, he states. The play blends her popular charisma with deep research on the revue theater star.
In the synopsis, actress Vera auditions to play Dercy in a film. She rebels against stereotypes, transforming into the icon to reveal her ahead-of-her-time story.
Upcoming Shows After Rio
Post-Rival, Grace heads to Rio Grande do Sul for Porto Verão Alegre festival on January 24-25. She returns to Rio state February 28 and March 1 in São Pedro da Aldeia.
SERVIÇO
Born to Be Dercy
Venue: Teatro Rival Petrobras
Address: Rua Álvaro Alvim, 33 – Cinelândia, Rio de Janeiro
Dates: Jan 16, 17, 18
Times: Fri/Sat at 7:30pm; Sun at 5pm
Duration: 80 minutes
Rating: 14+
Capacity: 350 seats
Tickets: R$50 to R$120
Box Office: On show day, 2h before start
Group bookings (special prices): www.ventiladordetalentos.com.br
Online: https://bileto.sympla.com.br/event/113168
Photo: Heloísa Bortz
