Maré theater work exposes militarization and resistance

Play created by Maré residents debuts in December and explores censorship, state violence and cultural resistance in the community.

The Federal Government, the Ministry of Culture, the Rio de Janeiro State Government and the State Secretariat for Culture and Creative Economy present, through the Aldir Blanc National Policy and the ISS/LAMSA Law, the play “Between: Bombs, Bullets, Confetti and Streamers”. The production, created by actors and technical crew from the Maré Community, arrives on stage in December.

The play, based on the work of award-winning documentarian Gizele Martins and written by Matheus Frazão, immerses the audience in stories of struggle and resistance from one of Rio’s largest favela complexes.

The sociocultural project Entre Lugares Maré, recognized as a Free School of Training in Art and Culture, will present the production based on the responses of students who participated in this year’s artistic workshops.

“Between: Bombs, Bullets, Confetti and Streamers”, written by Matheus Frazão, will be performed at the Maré Museum Theater on December 5, 6, 7, 12, 13 and 14, at 7:30 p.m., during the 13th edition of the cultural training workshop.

The staging draws from “Militarization and Censorship – the fight for freedom of expression in Favela da Maré”, by Gizele Martins. Alongside Natasha, Martins won Best Documentary at the 2025 Rio Festival with “Diesel Smell”, a film that records the impact of militarization on residents of Maré and Penha.

The play highlights voices historically silenced by the State, marked by censorship and institutional violence. It exposes the erasure of community forces and the resilience of those who dared to report systemic abuses.

“Entre Lugares”: the strength of Maré’s voices

Every year, the project offers at least five artistic, technical and training workshops, plus regular theater classes held at the Maré Museum. The program includes Field Research/Writing, Costume Restoration, Body-Movement, Set Design and Staging, serving 30 young people and adults aged 14 to 50 from the Maré Complex.

The Free School is supported by the Federal Government, the Ministry of Culture, the Rio de Janeiro State Government, the State Secretariat for Culture and Creative Economy, the Aldir Blanc National Policy, the ISS/LAMSA Law, the Maré Museum, Especiais da Maré and CEASM.

The production creates an immersive experience that breaks the boundaries of the stage and connects directly with the geography of Maré. The set design, built with contributions from performers, merges timelines to reveal the continuity of military repression throughout different historical periods.

The play amplifies the voices of the favela, transforming memories of censorship and violence into an urgent call for reflection. According to Renata Tavares, the work invites the audience to confront the persistence of state violence while recognizing resistance as a driving force.

Synopsis

Maré is invaded and placed under military control during the World Cup. Residents face daily fear and censorship. Amid the conflict, samba becomes the lifeline that sustains the community’s resistance.

Dramaturgy born from lived experience

Matheus Frazão, local artist, educator and director, explains that the play emerges from real experiences and from the ongoing struggle of residents seeking opportunities despite social stigma.

“I am Frazão, someone who began in the arts very young, became a professional and sees theater as a powerful communication channel. The Entre productions always bring narratives already lived in the territory, sometimes painful. It speaks about what bothers us because it still hurts. This year’s play portrays the violence of the 2014 military occupation in Maré, yet shows a family that has fun, that lives samba. It is joy confronting violence. Maybe joy is our best weapon. A work about daily life, intimacy, carnival and despair, which mirrors life in the favela.”

Crew

Conception: Entre Lugares Maré

Text: Matheus Frazão

Direction/Musical Direction/Vocal Coaching: Renata Tavares

Cast: Andryelle Lima, Angel Lua, Babi Alcântara, Bruno Martins, Carlos Emanoel, Davi Souza, Emilly Sampaio, Graziele Oliveira, Jade Cardozo, Kaôrí Amaré, Katiaa Deusa, Kevin Magala, Lady, LIMMA, Maicon Douglas, Matheus Borges, maria lucilda, Miguel Furtado, Milena Ferreira, Mirella Souza, Nega Lu, Paula Mendonça, Renena, Rodrigo Beraponti, Thayná Rodrigues, Vick Lucas, Victtor Quintanilha and Vitor Gabriel

Musician: Matheus Tavares

Set Design: Davsun Santos, Flávio Vidaurre, Rafael Rougues

Stage Crew: Davsun Santos, Flávio Vidaurre, ítala Isis, Milena Vital and Rafael Rougues

Costume Design: Jade Cardozo

Costume Assistants: Katiaa Deusa, Maicon Douglas and Rodrigo Beraponti

Lighting/Light Operator: Lucas da Silva

Movement Direction/Body Preparation: Gabriela Luiz

Researcher and Author of “Militarization and Censorship”: Gizele Martins

Research Professor: Tiago Ribeiro

Field Research and Writing: Natasha Corbelino

Sound/Projection Operator: Edson Martins

Graphic Designer: Flávio Vidaurre

Press Office: Alessandra Costa

Assistant Director/Social Media: Heloiza Cintra

Photography: Zé Bismarck

Publicity Photo/Filming/Editing: Marco Brendon

Administrative and Financial Coordination: CEASM

Production Assistants: Bianca Barbosa, Heloiza Cintra and Rafael Rougues

Production Direction: Vanessa Greff

Service

Play: “Between: Bombs, Bullets, Confetti and Streamers”

Dates: December 5, 6, 7, 12, 13 and 14, Friday to Sunday, at 7:30 p.m.

Address: Maré Museum, Avenida Guilherme Maxwell Nº 26, Morro do Timbau, Complexo da Maré

Rating: 12 years

Performance with LIBRAS interpreter: December 13

Accessibility notes: Unexpected sounds, noisy environment, intense lights and flickering lights that may affect photosensitive and neurodivergent spectators.

Photo: Zé Bismarck; Marco Brendon