For those seeking a special cultural program this weekend and on Mother’s Day, the premiere of the play "Matilde" is a must-see. The show opened on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at the Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil (CCBB BH). This comedy, conceived by the late actor and comedian Paulo Gustavo in 2015, pays tribute to the artist who revolutionized Brazilian humor with his sensitive take on human relationships.
"Matilde" tells the story of a 60-year-old woman, played by Malu Valle, who leads a quiet life in Copacabana until she decides to rent a room in her home to Jonas (Ivan Mendes), a 36-year-old actor searching for his big break. This unexpected cohabitation sparks a comedic journey that delves into adult dilemmas, societal pressures, and the affection that can blossom between different generations.
The production employs satirical comedy to tackle significant issues such as aging, sexuality in later life, age discrimination, and the stigmas faced by older women. The play runs until June 1, 2025, performing from Thursday to Monday at 8 PM in Teatro I of CCBB BH. Notably, there will be a double session on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 5 PM and 8 PM. Tickets are priced at R$30 for full admission and R$15 for half-price, available at the cultural center's box office or online.
Dedicated to Paulo Gustavo, "Matilde" is a continuation of his legacy, having premiered in Rio de Janeiro in March 2025 before making its way to Belo Horizonte. The production is directed by Gilberto Gawronski and features a script by Julia Spadaccini, based on Gustavo's original idea about a 60-year-old woman and a 30-year-old man developing an unusual relationship.
Malu Valle, who plays the titular character, recalls how the seed for "Matilde" was planted back in 2005 when Paulo Gustavo, then a student at the Casa das Artes de Laranjeiras (CAL), invited her to direct his first show, "Infraturas." Valle had initially planned to recommend someone else for the role but was so impressed with Gustavo's talent that she agreed to take it on herself. This project marked the beginning of Gustavo's career, leading to his later success with the monologue "Minha mãe é uma peça" in 2006.
In 2015, Gustavo approached Valle with the idea of flipping the roles, asking her to star in a play he would direct. Valle expressed her honor at being chosen as his first director and noted how their friendship deepened over the years. However, she was hesitant to write the script herself, fearing she might inadvertently imitate Gustavo's distinctive voice. Instead, she brought in Julia Spadaccini, a writer she admired, to craft the dialogue under Gustavo's supervision. As the project progressed, Spadaccini ended up writing the entire script, allowing Gustavo to make changes as he saw fit.
Tragically, Gustavo passed away in May 2021 due to complications from COVID-19, leaving a profound void in the lives of those who knew him. Valle described her deep mourning for Gustavo, who was not only a collaborator but also a close friend. It wasn't until last year that she felt a sense of healing, prompting her to revisit the idea of "Matilde." The script had been passed around to various actresses but had yet to make its stage debut, so Valle decided to take the reins.
She contacted producer Caio Brucker and enlisted Gawronski to direct, seeking someone with a fresh perspective. The narrative of "Matilde" focuses on a retired woman whose peaceful life is disrupted when she rents a room to Jonas, an aspiring actor. Through this comedic lens, the play explores themes of aging, intergenerational relationships, and the challenges posed by a patriarchal society.
Valle believes the production encourages audiences to reevaluate established beliefs and challenge stereotypes, paving the way for a more inclusive and less prejudiced society. The characters Matilde and Jonas provoke, challenge, and transform each other throughout the story, sparking reflections on age discrimination and the societal stigmas that older women face, particularly regarding sexuality and identity in their later years.
“We are very happy because we are putting on stage something that came from Paulo’s desire, which is why the play is dedicated to him; otherwise, it wouldn’t exist,” Valle stated. The heartfelt homage to Gustavo is palpable throughout the production, making "Matilde" not just a comedy, but a celebration of life, friendship, and the complexities of human relationships.
"MATILDE" Text: Julia Spadaccini, based on the original idea by Paulo Gustavo. Directed by Gilberto Gawronski. Starring Malu Valle and Ivan Mendes. Running until June 1, with performances Thursday through Monday at 8 PM at Teatro 1 of CCBB-BH (Praça da Liberdade, 450, Funcionários – 31.3431-9400). Tickets priced at R$ 30 (full) and R$ 15 (half), available for purchase online or at CCBB-BH’s box office.
