This Saturday, February 1st, at 7 PM, the Sesc Jundiaí Theater will host the debut of the award-winning play Bertoleza by the Gargarejo Theater Company.
The production, winner of the 2020 APCA (São Paulo Association of Art Critics), reimagines the classic novel O Cortiço by Aluísio Azevedo, centering the narrative on the voice of Bertoleza, a Black enslaved woman who challenges the traditional protagonism of João Romão, the central character in the original work.
Directed and adapted by Anderson Claudir, the musical was first conceived in 2015 and has evolved over the years, transcending its 19th-century roots to address contemporary themes such as power dynamics, oppression, and resistance.
While staying true to the original material, the play creatively highlights Black and female perspectives, sparking a cross-temporal and social debate.
With musical direction by Eric Jorge, lyrics by Claudir, and choreography by Emílio Rogê, the production combines theater, music, and dance to deliver a powerful and thought-provoking reinterpretation of Azevedo’s naturalist text.
Historical and Social Relevance
The choice to center Bertoleza as the protagonist is deliberate. In the original novel, she is a secondary figure, but her story of struggle and resistance symbolizes the inequalities and violence faced by Black women in Brazil, both during the slavery era and today.
The play reclaims this history, amplifying voices that have been silenced for centuries.
According to experts, Aluísio Azevedo’s work is a faithful portrait of 19th-century Brazilian society, marked by exploitation and social inequality. The adaptation of Bertoleza updates this discussion, demonstrating how these themes remain relevant today.
Maria Fernanda Machado, a theater and gender researcher, notes, “Placing Bertoleza at the center of the narrative is a form of historical and artistic reparation, as well as an invitation to reflect on the power structures that still persist.”
Event Details
The play is rated for audiences aged 14 and above, with tickets starting at R$ 15. The performance will take place at Sesc Jundiaí, located at Avenida Antônio Frederico Ozanan, 6600, next to the Botanical Garden.
Known for hosting high-quality cultural events, the venue offers a complete experience for attendees, including parking, accessibility for people with disabilities, and communal areas.
For those seeking a rich and thought-provoking cultural program, Bertoleza is a unique opportunity to engage with a contemporary reinterpretation of a Brazilian literary classic, blending art, history, and social critique.
Tickets and Information
Date: February 1st (Saturday)
Time: 7 PM
Location: Sesc Jundiaí Theater (Av. Antônio Frederico Ozanan, 6600)
Tickets: Starting at R$ 15
Rating: 14+