Teatro Augusta

Clutching her playbill, a nervous young woman whispered, “Do you think they’ll like it?” Teatro Augusta has seen its share of opening night jitters since 1973. Back then, it wasn’t Teatro Augusta, but the Auditório Augusta. It was founded by Sérgio Person, a man with a vision for a vibrant, innovative theater. The inaugural performance? “El Grande de Coca-Cola,” a comedy featuring Armando Bogus, Laerte Morrone, Suely Franco, and Ricardo Petraglia. The Auditório Augusta quickly gained recognition, even winning the APCA award for theatrical space. Over the years, Teatro Augusta’s stage hosted a diverse range of productions. From comedies and musicals to intense dramas, the theater pulsed with creative energy. Plays by Jean Paul Sartre, productions like “Orquestra de Senhoritas” and “Crimes Delicados” all found a home here. Stars like Antonio Fagundes and Marcos Frota graced its stage. However, by 1995, financial troubles forced the Auditório Augusta to close its doors. The story could have ended there. But in 1997, Joaquim Goulart spearheaded a revival. He formed the Association of Friends of Teatro Augusta, rallying support from prominent figures like Irene Ravache and Antunes Filho. Together, they renovated and remodeled the space. In 1999, the theater was reborn as Teatro Augusta. The inaugural performance in this new era was “Medeia,” followed by the award-winning children’s play, “Cegonha, Avião… Mentira Não!” In 2014, actors Luciana Garcia and Tiago Pessoa purchased the theater. They renamed the main hall “Sala Paulo Goulart” to honor the late actor and his family’s connection to the venue. Even a review from Folha de S.Paulo in 2014, while pointing out minor flaws like insufficient restrooms, praised the comfortable seating and good spacing. So, as you stand before Teatro Augusta, remember the resilience of this space. It’s a testament to the enduring power of art and community.