Teatro Rival Petrobras: Jan 13–18 highlights in Rio

From Jan 13–18, Teatro Rival Petrobras hosts samba stars, DragStar auditions and “Nasci pra ser Dercy”, with tickets starting at \(R\$ 45\).

Teatro Rival Petrobras, in downtown Rio, packs its mid-January 2026 schedule with music and theatre. The week brings back Samba dos Puxadores, welcomes the DragStar competition’s 13th-season auditions, and features additional performances of the award-winning solo show “Nasci pra ser Dercy”, starring Grace Gianoukas.

Jan 13: Samba dos Puxadores

On Jan 13, five celebrated carnival voices lead the night: Tinga (Vila Isabel), Marquinhos Art’Samba (Unidos da Tijuca), Serginho do Porto (Águia de Ouro and Estácio de Sá), Bruno Ribas (Unidos de Padre Miguel) and Wantuir (Porto da Pedra). The show moves from 1990s pagode hits through 2000s favorites, and into iconic samba-enredo moments linked to Rio’s Sambadrome.

The repertoire nods to artists such as Jorge Aragão, Dona Ivone Lara, Xande de Pilares, Neguinho da Beija-Flor, Renato da Rocinha and Zeca Pagodinho. It also honors Dominguinhos do Estácio, Jackson Martins and Preto Joia—names from the group’s first lineup—while reinforcing a mission to boost visibility for samba interpreters and spark debate about professional recognition.

Jan 14: DragStar — auditions

On Jan 14, DragStar launches its 13th-season auditions as part of the Festival DiverCidade, presented by Brazil’s Ministry of Culture and Petrobras. Miami Pink hosts the evening as pre-selected contestants compete for spots on teams led by mentors Andréia Andrews, Chloe, Karina Karão, Ravena Creole and Samara Rios.

Inspired by formats like The Voice and XFactor, DragStar brings together drag artists across styles and career stages. The goal is to crown the most complete performer with the title of DragStar Queen.

Jan 15: Nilze Carvalho & Ana Costa

On Jan 15, singers, songwriters and instrumentalists Nilze Carvalho and Ana Costa present “A vida que se quer”, joined by percussionist Paulino Dias. The set includes songs connected to Candeia, Djavan, Gilberto Gil, Nei Lopes, Arlindo Cruz, Luiz Melodia, Paulinho da Viola, Dona Ivone Lara, Milton Nascimento, Leci Brandão and Wilson Moreira.

The repertoire travels from jongo to samba-enredo, spotlighting themes of Black identity, struggle and African-rooted rhythms, alongside love songs. “We bring songs about color, Black struggles and African rhythms, and we also sing the love songs of Arlindo Cruz and Dona Ivone Lara,” says Nilze Carvalho. Ana Costa adds that narrowing the final list was the hardest part, given the range of possibilities.

Jan 16, 17 and 18: “Nasci pra ser Dercy”

By popular demand, Grace Gianoukas returns with “Nasci pra ser Dercy” on Jan 16 and 17, and closes the run on Jan 18. Written and directed by Kiko Rieser, the play honors Dercy Gonçalves and highlights her impact on Brazilian theatre and women’s freedom.

The solo show features voice-over by Miguel Falabella and is produced by Ventilador de Talentos. Gianoukas won the Shell and APCA awards for Best Actress (2024) and the I Love Prio de Humor award for Best Performance. Rieser received the 2023 Bibi Ferreira Award for Best Original Playwriting, and the show also earned nominations at Prêmio Cenim and Prêmio Miguel Arcanjo.

Service

Jan 13 (Tue), 7:30pm (doors 6:30pm): Puxadores do Sambatinga, Marquinhos Art’Samba, Serginho do Porto, Bruno Ribas and Wantuir

Tickets: from \(R\$ 45\)

Sales: https://bileto.sympla.com.br/event/112705/d/346797

Jan 14 (Wed), 8pm (doors 7pm): DragStar — 13th season — auditions

Tickets: from \(R\$ 50\)

Sales: https://bileto.sympla.com.br/event/114701/d/356758

Jan 15 (Thu), 7:30pm (doors 6:30pm): Nilze Carvalho & Ana Costa — “A vida que se quer”

Tickets: from \(R\$ 60\)

Sales: https://bileto.sympla.com.br/event/113995/d/353255

Jan 16–17 (Fri–Sat), 7:30pm (doors 6:30pm): “Nasci pra ser Dercy”, starring Grace Gianoukas

Tickets: from \(R\$ 50\)

Sales: https://bileto.sympla.com.br/event/113168/d/349077

Jan 18 (Sun), 5pm (doors 4pm): “Nasci pra ser Dercy”, starring Grace Gianoukas

Tickets: from \(R\$ 50\)

Sales: https://bileto.sympla.com.br/event/113168/d/349075

Venue: Teatro Rival Petrobras — Rua Álvaro Alvim, 33 (Basement) — Rio de Janeiro — RJ

Capacity: 350 seats

Age rating: 18+