Isaac Belfort plays betrayed henchman Barrabás in Ópera do Malandro at Teatro Renault. From producer to star, he honors 50 years of the Brazilian classic with umbanda vibes.
Barrabás, the Backstabbing Rooster
Isaac Belfort portrays Barrabás, right-hand man to Max Navalha (José Loreto). Fired by Teresinha (Carol Costa), he turns informant and joins the police as inspector.
Directed by Jorge Farjalla, the musical celebrates Brazilian flair, folklore, and umbanda. Bootlegger Max secretly weds Teresinha, whose brothel-owner parents plot revenge.
He’s Max’s best friend but flips sides after feeling betrayed.
Symbolic Audition and Animal Edge
Auditions featured dance with Leilane Teles and Tiago Dias, vocals with Gui Leal, and acting with Farjalla. Isaac shared his passion for the work’s cultural roots.
For Barrabás, he drew from a rooster: feathered hat, video studies of its strut. Got key input from Dani Calicchio and Fábio Enriquez.
Dream Cast and Fresh Twists
Isaac shares stage with idols like José Loreto and Carol Costa. In 2023, he produced an all-female version at CEFTEM.
This take includes 15 days of script dives, Afro-opera with umbanda symbols, and arrangements by Roniel de Souza and Daniel Alfaro. Chico Buarque’s MPB becomes a Brazilian groove with axé energy.
Pumped for a full house at Teatro Renault, he aims to inspire the next wave. Next up: Portela centennial show and Benjamin, The Black Clown tour.
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/belfortisaac/
Photo: Press Release
