Students watch the play ‘Martinho, Coração de Rei’ at the Riachuelo Theater

10/2/2024

The carnival atmosphere has already arrived at IMPA Tech! This Sunday (9), undergraduate students watched the musical play ‘Martinho, Coração de Rei’, at the Riachuelo Theater, in downtown Rio de Janeiro. The play is a celebration of the history of samba and the career of an icon of Brazilian popular music, singer-songwriter Martinho da Vila. With a joyful and engaging soundtrack, the show reveals a man in love with music, his family and Brazilian culture.

The external activity was promoted by the Psychopedagogical Support Center (NAP), with the aim of enhancing the promotion of culture to the students of the Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics of Technology and Innovation. IMPA’s postgraduate students were also invited, reinforcing integration between the generations of students at the institute.

Directed by Miguel Falabella and conceived and directed by Jô Santana, the show, divided into two acts, goes through Martinho da Vila’s life story. The musical shows his life as a family man, composer, ex-military man and lover of soccer and carnival.

The play explores Martinho’s African roots, revealing the profound influence of Folia de Reis and other Afro-Brazilian cultural manifestations on his work. For student Maria Clara Carvalho, the play was an enriching and exciting experience. “I saw them transform the stage into a real ritual celebrating black culture with stunning costumes and a musical selection that had the audience singing along,” she said.

Cultural exchange also marked the trip to the theater, bringing together young people from different regions of Brazil. “I think IMPA Tech’s initiative to provide cultural activities like this for students is incredible, especially as we come from different parts of the country. These experiences allow us to learn more about the history of such important figures in Rio’s culture, like Martinho,” said student Letícia Aleixo.

“Being in contact with cultural activities is also a tool for education and human development. Having Brazilian Popular Music and the origins of samba as a reference is an opportunity for learning and reflection,” said NAP coordinator Cristina Ramos.

Read more: NAP promotes ‘Sport: body and mind in motion’ workshop
See also: Exhibition on the trajectory of Maryam Mirzakhani arrives at IMPA Tech