By Jack Arnhold, Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – This Friday, September 21st, at 4PM, the American Society of Rio de Janeiro are organizing a guided tour in English around Rio’s famous ‘Theatro Municipal’ (Municipal Theater) for only R$20 (R$10 for seniors).
While the tour starts at 4PM, the society will also be meeting for a 2PM lunch beforehand, at O Navegador, where everyone in attendance will receive a free caipirinha. “What I like about AmSoc events is that they get me out and about going to places I might not otherwise visit.” Comments Pamela Howard-Reguindin, member of the American Society of Rio de Janeiro.
Inaugurated in 1909, the Municipal Theater has been the jewel in Rio de Janeiro’s cultural life for over a century. During this time, it has hosted such cultural luminaries as Sarah Bernhardt, Heitor Villa-Lobos, and Igor Stravinsky. More recently, the theater has received the Junge Deutsche Philharmonie and the Dresden Philharmonic Orchestra as part of its 2018 season.
In celebration of its centenary in 2009, the Municipal Theater received extensive renovations, including the recovery and restoration of a sizeable original artwork by Eliseu Visconti, and the re-gilding of the imposing eagle that sits atop the roof of the building, which used around 8,000 sheets of 23-carat-gold. Its reopening in 2010 was a grand affair, attended by then-president Lula da Silva and mayor Eduardo Paes.
Howard-Reguindin continues, “Although I’ve been to the Theatro Municipal many times, I’ve never been behind the scenes and am looking forward to hearing more about the history and lore of the theater during the tour.”
The American Society of Rio de Janeiro also recently celebrated its centenary in 2017. Founded in 1917 by a group of American women who were making bandages for the war effort, the society has gone on to become one of the most thriving societies for expatriates in Rio de Janeiro, with a simple mission statement of ‘promoting good relations with Brazilians, celebrating American holidays, involvement in local charitable work, assisting Americans in distress, and pursuing an active social program.’
Talking of that active social program, there are plenty more events on the American Society calendar for 2018, including a free guided tour in English to the Brazilian Handicraft Exhibition ‘CRAB’ on Saturday, October 6th. Plus, there’s always the famous Thanksgiving Dinner, which is taking place this year on Thursday, November 22nd.
“The Society is a friendly crowd with a mix of Brazilian, American and international business types, academics, consular officers and other folks who enjoy living here for both short and long terms.” Howard-Reguindin concludes.
What: Theatro Municipal Tour
When: Friday, September 21st, 4PM (2PM for lunch)
Where: Theatro Municipal, Praça Marechal Floriano, s/n, Centro, 20031-010 Rio de Janeiro
(O Navegador, Avenida Rio Branco, 180 (Clube Naval) – Centro)
Entrance: R$20 (R$10 for seniors)
Correction: The article has been changed to reflect that the walking tour takes place on Friday, September 21st.