By Beatriz Miranda, Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – This Saturday, August 26th, the neighborhood of Botafogo will host the ‘Botafogo Vivo’ cultural fair. Aimed at bringing arts and culture to Botafogo’s public venues, the initiative’s debut edition will promote free shows, debates and performances at the Chaim Weizmann square and the Machado de Assis Municipal Library.
‘Botafogo Vivo’ was conceived by Rede Botafogo de Cultura Solidária (Botafogo’s Network for Solidarity Culture), composed of professionals who were interested in promoting Botafogo’s cultural potential in the public venues.
According to the organizers, the importance of the event is to share the artistic and creative spirit of the neighborhood in a democratic environment, thus integrating Botafogo’s diverse audiences, from its residents to its producers.
Opening the event at Chaim Weizmann square, at 10AM, will be a story-telling session for children, lead by historian Kaori Kodama, who will present the history of Botafogo through playful elements. Contemporary dancers from Angel Vianna dance school will perform at the venue at 11AM, which will be followed by a “capoeira Angola” circle with master Ferradura.
At Machado de Assis library, the day gets started with a circle talk at 10:15 AM, where Professor Ivana Bentes, from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro’s School of Communications and representatives from Rede Botafogo de Cultura Solidária will discuss the theme “Citizen’s Innovation”. At 11AM, journalist Mário Magutti leads a debate on cultural projects.
The afternoon’s line up will be all about live music at the square. At 12PM, there will be the presentation of “Uma Só Voz” (One Single Voice) choir, composed of Botafogo’s homeless people. “Criançada Reunida” will bring some chorinho music to the audience at 1PM, while “Teatro do Mar” company presents a poetry and music recital at 1:30 PM.
At 2PM, it is time for a live “roda de samba” with group Oficina and singer Christina Paz. Following, the Atitude band, from the Santa Marta favela community, will perform a MPB show at 3PM. Closing the musical attractions, singer Luíza Breves will bring a repertoire full of forró music at 4PM.
The event will also include the release of “Sigilo Eterno” (Ethernal Secrecy), at 2PM, in Machado de Assis’ library. Directed by Noilton Nunes, the film reflects on Earth’s current ecological challenges and its impact to the man kind.
What: ‘Botafogo Vivo’ (Botafogo Alive)
When: this Satuday, August 26th – 10AM to 5PM
Where: Praça Chaim Weizmann – Botafogo
Entrance: FREE