Cia Melodramática returns to Rio with “Melodrama da Meia-Noite”: three nights of live improv, Rita Von Hunty, and an audience that shapes the story in real time.
After more than 15 years on the Brazilian theater scene, Cia Melodramática is back on Rio de Janeiro stages with “Melodrama da Meia-Noite” (Midnight Melodrama), a short run at the historic Teatro Dulcina, in downtown Rio. Performances take place on April 24 and 25 (Friday and Saturday) at 7 PM, and April 26 (Sunday) at 6 PM.
The Boulevard du Crime comes alive
The show is a theatrical improvisation piece inspired by 19th-century French melodrama. It revives the popular spirit of the genre — cruel villains, lovestruck heroes, and raw emotion — and brings it into the present through live storytelling and direct audience involvement.
Led by the character Monsieur Le Professeur, the cast embodies classic archetypes and weaves entirely new stories every night. Impossible love affairs, shattered families, mysterious crimes, and unexpected twists emerge in the moment — and are never repeated.
“‘Melodrama da Meia-Noite’ proposes a journey to the Boulevard du Crime, in 19th-century Paris, the era that gave rise to French-inspired melodrama. Through an improvisation game, guided by Monsieur Le Professeur, the audience witnesses stories built live and is invited to interfere in the fate of ruthless villains and passionate heroes.” — Paulo Merisio, director
The audience holds the power
In “Melodrama da Meia-Noite”, spectators are not passive observers. Playing the role of the “people of Paris,” they actively influence the story’s direction. Disapproval earns the actors a shower of rolled-up socks; appreciation is answered with coins tossed onto the stage. The characters’ fates rest, literally, in the audience’s hands.
The production features period costumes, a live musical score, and lighting designed in real time — creating an atmosphere that honors the roots of 19th-century popular theater while feeling fully alive in the present.
A powerhouse cast featuring Rita Von Hunty
The ensemble includes Gabriela De Paula, Glória Dinniz Ribas, Henrique Moretzsohn, Juliana Aquino, Leo Vaz, Marcio Antunes, Paulo Merisio, Rita Von Hunty, Virgínia Castellões, and Wesley May. Direction is by Paulo Merisio.
Melodrama Workshop: learn from the cast
On Saturday, April 25, from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM, Cia Melodramática offers the Melodrama Workshop at Teatro Dulcina. Open to actors, students, and performing arts enthusiasts, the session is led by director Paulo Merisio alongside the cast, offering hands-on experience with the show’s archetypal characters. Registration is available on the Sympla platform.
Event Info
- Show: Melodrama da Meia-Noite (Midnight Melodrama)
- Venue: Teatro Dulcina — Rua Alcindo Guanabara, 17, Cinelândia, downtown Rio de Janeiro
- Dates and times: April 24 and 25 (Friday and Saturday) at 7 PM / April 26 (Sunday) at 6 PM
- Capacity: 450 seats
- Rating: All ages
- Tickets: Full price BRL 100 / Half price BRL 50 / Promotional BRL 40
- Purchase: https://www.sympla.com.br/evento/melodrama-da-meia-noite-com-rita-von-hunty/3355703
- Social media: @ciamelodramatica
- Melodrama Workshop: April 25, from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM, at Teatro Dulcina. Register via Sympla.
