The Permanent Theater and Circus Workshop stages “UBU KING – A Popular Buffa Comedy” on November 28 and 29 in Pavuna.
Performance marks the workshop’s graduation
The Permanent Theater and Circus Workshop of CETA, produced by Cia Atores de Copacabana, presents its graduation show “UBU KING – A Popular Buffa Comedy” on November 28 and 29 at Arena Carioca Jovelina Pérola Negra, in Pavuna. The production concludes a training process that began in March.
The project is supported by the Federal Government, Ministry of Culture, City of Rio de Janeiro and Municipal Secretariat of Culture through the Pró-Carioca Linguagens public notice, part of the PNAB – Aldir Blanc National Policy.
Theater and circus education in the outskirts
The workshop expands access to theater and circus arts in the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro and the Baixada Fluminense. Director Lino Rocca highlights the initiative’s importance in offering classes in juggling, acrobatics, theatrical techniques, clowning, stilts, aerial hoop, aerial fabric and other disciplines.
According to Rocca, the training is divided between circus techniques and theatrical techniques, preparing participants for work in cultural animation, children’s recreation and the professional circus and theater sectors.
Staging and artistic approach
The workshop is grounded in the Studies on Performance and the Artist (EPA!), a 27-year research project on creative processes. Psychophysical techniques from theater and circus are incorporated gradually to support the development of individual and collective performances.
Written in the late 19th century by Alfred Jarry, Ubu Roi is seen as a precursor to Surrealism, Dadaism and the Theatre of the Absurd. For circus artist Vânia Santos, the piece remains relevant for its reflection on extremism and authoritarianism.
Rocca draws parallels between the play’s protagonists and modern political figures, addressing themes such as abuse of power, prejudice, violence and dismantling of public policies.
The staging adopts a buffoonish perspective inspired by the Brazilian counterculture movement Tropicalismo, blending parody, lyricism and social critique. The goal is to encourage artists from the outskirts to develop their own creative processes and strengthen their cultural territories.
Crew
Direction and Dramaturgy: Lino Rocca
Cast Direction: Vânia Santos
Original Score: Chiquinho Rota
Art Direction: Marcelo Viégas and Vania Santos
Press: Alessandra Costa
Cast: Andy Lista, Diego Zurc, Day Ventura, Eli Lima, El Sid, João Gizele, Luci Machado, Marcio Rufino, Nsinga, Raquel Barros and Tiago Machado
Service
UBU KING – A Popular Buffa Comedy
Mini season: November 28 and 29, 2025
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Arena Carioca Jovelina Pérola Negra – Praça Ênio, s/n, Pavuna, Rio de Janeiro
Rating: 18+
Free admission
