Guia Cultural da Costa Verde

Paraty • Paraty

TEATRO DE BONECOS DE PARATY

Talent and expertise in moving performances

Luciana Serra

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For more than 40 years applauded by the public and the critics, Grupo Contadores de Estórias has built a fascinating career that captivates hearts wherever it goes. The group was founded in 1971 by Marcos and Rachel Ribas when they lived in New York. Marcos was always dedicated to theater and dancing, while Rachel had talent and sensitivity for the visual arts. Together they created a consistent and permanently evolving project. During their comings and goings to Brazil and other countries they have developed a number of techniques and devised many successful performances, for the adult public as well as for children.

In 1981, they decided to live in Paraty and move away from the large urban sprawls. Having settled in the historical town center, they continued to receive invitations to appear on stages throughout the world. In 1985, after being awarded a good number of prizes, they acquired a large house in Paraty in which they built Teatro Espaço. The couple’s entire career may be viewed in the official website and in the book A Grandeza do Mundo em Pequenas Expressões, published in commemoration of the group’s 40 years of existence.

The theater accommodates an audience of 100 persons and since it was opened it has also harbored performances by other artists as well as permanent shows by the house company. These are always on Wednesdays and Saturdays, luring tourists who have already heard of the puppet theater in Paraty as a different attraction not to be missed. And this is a fact!

The group has experimented with a number of techniques, such as giant dolls or minute puppets, the artists who perform and dance with them, and also in silence. During all of these, the group’s trade mark is always evident: its precise gestures, handling the puppets without strings or rods, making it all seem very simple.

The Em Concerto show is the masterpiece, created especially for adults and lasting approximately one hour. Continuously on show since 1994, it has been attended by over 100,000 people in Paraty alone. The performance takes place with the actors in front of a dark background, in the absence of a dialogue but with a sound track, and impresses owing to the precision, subtlety and the manner whereby the artists move the puppets who seem to be of flesh and blood, giving them life in scenarios that move the public.

Marcos Ribas is also the show’s director and creator of the lighting effects. His spouse Rachel, who acted and fashioned the puppets, passed away in 2012. Nonetheless, as in a tribute to that great artist the Teatro de Bonecos de Paraty continues with its talented and creative activity.

Teatro Espaço has a small shop that sells books, t-shirts and postcards, among other souvenirs. Performances always start at 9 pm and are usually full, in particular on Saturdays. Therefore it is recommended to visit the box office in advance to ensure your ticket and to make sure you will enjoy an unforgettable evening.

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