Category:
Teatro Carlos Gomes, in the center of Rio, reopens after undergoing the biggest renovation in its history
Published on 01/07/2024 - 22:33 | Updated on 02/07/2024 - 12:21
Carlos Gomes Theater, in the Center, reopens after undergoing the largest renovation in its history - Marcelo Piu/ Rio City Hall At 152 years old, the Carlos Gomes Theater, in Praça Tiradentes, was reopened by the City of Rio on Monday night (1/7), after the largest renovation in its history. The reopening took place with the presentation of the 18th APTR Award (Association of Theater Producers), which recognizes professionals from theater stages throughout Brazil.
The first show to be performed after the resumption will be “Bibi, a life in musical”, starting on July 25, directed by Tadeu Aguiar, telling the family, professional and romantic story of the great Brazilian artist, Bibi Ferreira. The ceremony was attended by Mayor Eduardo Paes, the municipal secretary of Culture, Marcelo Calero, authorities and artists.
– It is with great joy that I hand over this theater to you. The pandemic has shown the importance of culture, which at that time was a relief for all of us. And nothing expresses our identity better than our culture. We are doing nothing more than our duty by returning this important, beautiful and historic facility to the city. It is an element in the construction and revitalization of the city center. And, of course, by investing in culture we are also investing in the city's economy. The identity of Rio de Janeiro is created by your art and culture – said the mayor.
With an investment of over R$16 million, the theater began construction in November 2021, the year it turned 150. As imposing as it is important, this Rio de Janeiro performing arts venue underwent renovation, modernization and requalification works, which included the complete replacement of the air conditioning system and elevators, restoration of the electrical and hydraulic installations, complete renovation of the 11 dressing rooms, restoration of all historical elements, new sound, lighting and stage engineering systems, new fire prevention and fighting systems, new configuration of the audience and balconies, as well as chairs, accessibility for the public and artists; revitalization of the Guarani and Paraíso halls, (air-conditioned and renovated), complete restoration of the façade, stage lighting treatment and complete structural overhaul.
The work was carried out by the Municipal Urbanization Company (RioUrbe). The renovated Carlos Gomes will be the most modern theater in the city. In art deco style, it has a cafeteria, a kitchen and a foyer with tables and chairs. The facility occupies a listed building due to its architectural, historical and cultural importance. What's more, it will be able to host numerous and multiple types of experiences, from pocket shows to gastronomic events, as well as open rehearsals, working in progress and awards.
Culture Secretary Marcelo Calero recalled the efforts of Rio City Hall to recover culture, which had been relegated to second place in the city.
– We had the largest budget the Department of Culture has ever had and in the last few weeks we have delivered libraries, museums, cinemas and reopened theaters, such as Carlos Gomes. This is an administration that reopens theaters and we are very proud of that – said Calero.
From Grande Otelo and Procopio Ferreira to Eva Todor and Bibi Ferreira
Located in downtown Rio, next to the traditional Praça Tiradentes, the Carlos Gomes is considered one of the oldest and most important theaters in the city, even older than the Theatro Municipal (1909). Opened in 1872 under the name Casino Franco-Brésilien, it was also called Teatro Santana, until it was renamed in honor of Carlos Gomes, the most important Brazilian opera composer and author of “O Guarani” in the early XNUMXth century.
In 1929, the theater suffered a fire and was then rebuilt in art deco style. The theater suffered further fires in 1950 and 1960. In 1988, it was purchased by the City of Rio and handed over to the population in 1992 after a structural renovation.
Great names in Brazilian drama have already stepped onto that stage, such as Grande Otelo, Eva Todor, Bibi Ferreira, Vicente Celestino, Dulcina de Moraes, Procópio Ferreira and Elke Maravilha.
It is impossible to talk about the Carlos Gomes Theater and not consider its surroundings, a cultural hub in Tiradentes Square, also formed by the Sebrae Center for Reference in Brazilian Crafts (CRAB), the Hélio Oiticica Municipal Arts Center, the João Caetano Real Theater, the Portuguese Reading Room, the Gentil Carioca Art Gallery, among others.
The first attraction of the renovated theater will be dedicated to Bibi Ferreira
The first attraction at the new Carlos Gomes Theater will be a musical dedicated to Bibi Ferreira. Running from July 25 to August 18, “Bibi, a life in musical” will be directed by Tadeu Aguiar and will tell the family, professional and romantic story of the artist of Portuguese and Spanish descent, daughter of Brazilian actor Procópio Ferreira and Argentine ballerina Aída Izquierdo.
News
