Emcena Brasil: the truck of joy that enchants the country
Sponsored by Energisa, the project brings culture and entertainment to all ages
Imagine a truck carrying a huge container full of surprises that open up like a circus! This is the Emcena Brasil project, created in 1995 by Orlando Moreno and which has been touring Brazil for over 16 years, bringing theater, cinema, workshops and fun to all ages.
Out of the container come actresses, actors, costumes, sets and the materials for the practical workshops. An Emcena Brasil event usually lasts five hours, starting with a play for all ages. This is followed by workshops on building toys, such as pinwheels and dolls. Finally, there are movie screenings and plays for young audiences and adults. It's a real party!
The project, which has already toured more than 600 cities in all regions of Brazil, has now gone even further. Sponsored by Energisa for the third year, the Emcena Brasil truck went to the state of Acre for the first time, visiting Parque do Tucumã and Praça da Revolução in Rio Branco. The event attracted more than 8,000 people over two days.
The Emcena Brasil project demonstrates how Energisa, through the Energisa Cultural program, supports initiatives that promote a rich cultural experience in the regions where it operates. The project not only provides entertainment and education, but also creates opportunities for interaction between outside artists and local communities. This exchange is essential to strengthen the connection between different cultural manifestations, respecting the traditions and expressions of each region. It is inspiring to see the joy on the children's faces and the active participation of the communities, making each event unique and memorable," says Delânia Cavalcante, Energisa Group's social investment coordinator.
The truck's route is defined in partnership with Energisa and the local town halls. In addition, the events always feature local guests to generate connection and brighten up the troupe's performances.
We always rely on local councils to promote the event and help organize it. Seeking out local artists is very important and rewarding for us, as we are able to exchange ideas. Another impressive thing is the children's engagement in the Abayomi doll-making workshop. They get involved, they want to learn and then they go out and play with the dolls, investing playful, creative and educational time away from the screen, which is a struggle these days," said Luciana Marques, one of the project's organizers.
"Abayomi" means "precious encounter". Legend has it that the Abayomi doll was born on slave ships. To shelter their daughters and sons in the holds of the ships, the mothers tore pieces from their long skirts and tied knots to make dolls that served as amulets of protection. They are a symbol of resistance, tradition and female power.
Every encounter with the audience is precious to the artists. As well as interacting during the workshops, the actors always come down from the stage at the end of the performances to talk to the spectators, creating unique exchanges that are also recorded in a message notebook open to anyone who wants to express themselves.
The project is part of the Energisa Cultural Program portfolio. With a multi-lingual profile, covering music, literature, audiovisual, visual arts, performing arts, popular culture and festivals, among others, and with a commitment to bringing us closer to society through cultural actions and the manifestation of regional values in the territories where we operate, Energisa Cultural in 2023 impacted more than 280,000 people in the company's area of operation.
Our relationship with Energisa has been special. Not just because of the sponsorship and the possibility of reaching other parts of the country, but because of the company's commitment. It's rare for sponsors to come along and see the actions being promoted with their own eyes. This is very enriching. We make all the reports, send photos and everything. But to have, as we did in Acre, the presence of so many of the company's directors and employees taking part in the workshops and watching the presentations is something different," said Luciana Marques.
Emcena Brasil has also taken the country's name abroad. This year they will tour Portugal and Spain with the play Ariano, o cavaleiro sertanejo, a tribute to the characters and history of Ariano Suassuna, one of the country's greatest playwrights.
And it doesn't stop there! On the way back, at the end of August, the company will be traveling through 6 cities in the state of São Paulo: Pinhalzinho, Adamantina, Santo Anastácio, Bastos, Paraguaçu Paulista and Urupês. If you live in these areas, keep an eye on the @projetoemcenabrasil page because this truck of joy and culture will soon be arriving in your town!
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