New Sesc Casa do Comércio Reopens in Salvador, Brazil
Salvador, Brazil – Theater enthusiasts in Salvador have reason to celebrate as the Teatro Sesc Casa do Comércio reopens its doors this Tuesday (27). The theater, which closed three years ago, has undergone extensive renovations and improvements, including interventions on the stage, replacement of seats in the audience, reformulation of dressing rooms and foyer, and enhanced accessibility. The investment for these upgrades reached R$ 15 million.
The reopening party will feature a special performance by renowned musician Carlinhos Brown, who will present the show Umbalista. However, the event will be closed to guests. Throughout the month, the theater will offer a diverse program, including two children’s plays, Histórias do Mundão and O Jabuti e a Sabedoria do Mundo, as well as four options for adults: the comedies Fanta Maria and Pandora by Cia Baiana de Patifaria, Koanza by actor Sulivã Bispo (Mainha), and the solos Medeia Negra by the Vilavox group and Árcade – verses to look at time by Bahian screenwriter and director Daniel Arcades. Some of these events already have tickets available on Sympla.
In addition to the reopening of Teatro Sesc Casa do Comércio, two other theaters in Salvador are also set to return to the scene. After being closed for one year due to stolen cables, the Espaço Cultural da Barroquinha will reopen on July 4th. Suliã Bispo, a popular local actor, is expected to be one of the attractions. The Coro Room, which has been closed since the fire at the Teatro Castro Alves in February, will receive open ballet classes and is currently in the process of hiring new attractions for the month of July.
The reopening of these theaters is a welcome development for the local theater community, which has faced challenges in recent years. The closure of the Teatro Eva Herz and the demolition of the Teatro Acbeu have left a void in the city’s cultural landscape. Cultural producer Eliana Pedroso has been advocating for the regulation of a municipal law that obliges shopping malls in Salvador to have theaters. Pedroso describes the current scenario in Bahia as “cruel” and “in an intense crisis.”
Theater director and cultural manager Fernando Guerreiro also emphasizes the need for theater to regain its prominence in Salvador. Guerreiro believes that theater has been forgotten and cites high ticket prices, short seasons, and a crisis of creativity as factors that have affected the local theater scene. However, he acknowledges exceptions, such as the successful show Maria ao vivo, which celebrated actress Maria Menezes’ 30-year career.
Despite the challenges, there are still theater companies and artists who continue to produce and perform in Salvador. Lelo Filho and his Cia Baiana de Patifaria, for example, have adapted to the changing landscape by becoming a virtual company and spreading their performances across various venues. Their shows Fanta Maria and Pandora will be shown at multiple theaters in the region.
As the theaters reopen and new productions hit the stage, theater enthusiasts in Salvador can look forward to a revitalized cultural scene. The return of these venues not only provides opportunities for local artists but also offers residents and visitors a chance to experience the magic of live theater once again.New Sesc Casa do Comércio Reopens in Salvador, Brazil
Salvador, Brazil – Theater enthusiasts in Salvador have reason to celebrate as the Teatro Sesc Casa do Comércio reopens its doors this Tuesday (27). The theater, which closed three years ago, has undergone extensive renovations and improvements, including interventions on the stage, replacement of seats in the audience, reformulation of dressing rooms and foyer, and enhanced accessibility. The investment for these upgrades reached R$ 15 million, according to Fecomércio.
To mark the reopening, a special event will be held with a performance by renowned artist Carlinhos Brown, who will present the show Umbalista. However, the event will be closed to guests. Throughout the month, the theater will feature a diverse program, including two children’s plays and four options for adults. Some of the highlights include the comedies Fanta Maria and Pandora by Cia Baiana de Patifaria, Koanza by actor Sulivã Bispo, Medeia Negra by the Vilavox group, and Árcade – verses to look at time by Bahian screenwriter and director Daniel Arcades. Tickets for some of these events are already available on Sympla.
In addition to the reopening of Teatro Sesc Casa do Comércio, two other theaters in Salvador are also set to return to the scene. After being closed for one year due to stolen cables, the Espaço Cultural da Barroquinha will reopen on July 4th. The Coro Room at Teatro Castro Alves, which has been closed since the fire at the theater in February, will also resume activities and is currently hiring for upcoming attractions.
Despite these positive developments, the theater scene in Bahia still faces challenges. Cultural producer Eliana Pedroso has expressed her concerns about the lack of investment and theaters in the region. She believes that there is a need for long-term structuring projects and resources to support local productions. Pedroso describes the current scenario as “cruel” and “in an intense crisis.”
Theater director and cultural manager Fernando Guerreiro also acknowledges the difficulties faced by the theater community in Salvador. He highlights high ticket prices, short seasons, and a crisis of creativity as factors that characterize the current state of Bahian theater. However, Guerreiro recognizes exceptions, such as the successful show Maria ao vivo, celebrating actress Maria Menezes’ 30-year career.
Despite the challenges, there are still opportunities for theater enthusiasts in Salvador. Guerreiro recommends checking the schedules of various theaters in the city, including Teatro Vila Velha, Escola de Teatro da Ufba, Teatro Jorge Amado, Molière at Aliança Francesa, Sesc Rio Vermelho, Pelourinho, and Espaços Boca de Brasa in Cajazeiras, Coutos, and Valeria. These venues will host performances of the musical A Resistência Cabocla by Bando de Teatro Olodum in July.
Furthermore, there is hope for the future of theater in Salvador. The Salvador City Hall is studying the construction of a municipal theater, and the state government has authorized the rehabilitation of the Irdeb Theater, with delivery expected next year.
As the theater scene in Salvador begins to revive, theater enthusiasts are encouraged to support local productions and enjoy the diverse range of performances available. It’s time to say “Shit” and head back to the theater!
How have theater companies and artists in Salvador adapted to the challenges faced by the local theater scene, and what shows can theater enthusiasts look forward to
E in February, is currently in the process of hiring new attractions for the month of July and will also offer open ballet classes.
The reopening of these theaters is a much-anticipated development for the local theater community, which has faced challenges in recent years. The closure of the Teatro Eva Herz and the demolition of the Teatro Acbeu have created a void in the city’s cultural landscape. Cultural producer Eliana Pedroso has been actively advocating for a municipal law that would require shopping malls in Salvador to have theaters. Pedroso describes the current theater scene in Bahia as “cruel” and “in an intense crisis.”
Theater director and cultural manager Fernando Guerreiro echoes Pedroso’s sentiments and emphasizes the need for theater to regain its prominence in Salvador. Guerreiro believes that theater has been forgotten and cites high ticket prices, short seasons, and a crisis of creativity as factors that have affected the local theater scene. However, he acknowledges exceptions, such as the successful show Maria ao vivo, which celebrated actress Maria Menezes’ 30-year career.
Despite these challenges, there are still theater companies and artists who continue to produce and perform in Salvador. Lelo Filho and his Cia Baiana de Patifaria, for example, have adapted to the changing landscape by becoming a virtual company and spreading their performances across various venues. Their shows Fanta Maria and Pandora will be shown at multiple theaters in the region.
As the theaters reopen and new productions hit the stage, theater enthusiasts in Salvador can look forward to a revitalized cultural scene. The return of these venues not only provides opportunities for local artists but also offers residents and visitors a chance to experience the magic of live theater once again.
It’s refreshing to hear that three theaters in Bahia are reopening in July, offering a much-needed respite from the ongoing crisis. The arts and culture sector has faced immense challenges, and the return of these theaters gives hope for brighter days ahead. Let’s make a point to support and enjoy these venues, showcasing the resilience of the entertainment industry and the power of communal experiences.
It’s heartwarming to see the reopening of theaters in Bahia, offering a much-needed respite from the ongoing crisis. This is a small step towards the revival of the arts and a glimmer of hope for the future.