Guess who’s back on stage? After a 16-year break, the acclaimed actor Wagner Moura is set to return to the theatre. And he’s bringing a classic back with him, but in a new form. The city of Salvador will be the first to host this much-anticipated comeback.
De Ibsen a Salvador: O Projeto
The work chosen is an adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s impactful 1882 play, ‘Um Inimigo do Povo’. Why this play? Moura himself falou sobre o desejo antigo de montar essa história. He sees a strong connection between this classic text and themes explored in his Cannes-winning film, ‘O Agente Secreto’.
Ibsen’s play tells the story of a doctor who uncovers a dangerous truth: the water in his tourist-dependent town is poisoned. This pits moral duty against economic interests – a timeless conflict, isn’t it? Moura drew parallels, even mentioning Spielberg’s ‘Jaws’ as another example of this battle between a hidden danger and those who benefit from ignoring it.
But this won’t be a traditional staging of Ibsen. Moura clarified they are working on an adaptation tailored for today. Guiding this creative process is the director Cristiane Jathay. Described by Moura as an extraordinary friend and collaborator, Jathay is known for taking classic works and giving them a fresh, contemporary spin.
What’s needed to make this happen? Like many ambitious theatre projects, securing sponsorship is key. Moura mentioned that while plans are nearly finalized, getting the necessary support is still pending. If everything aligns, the stage will be set for his return in Salvador.