A circus show celebrating black diversity, “Prot{ago}nists” is the subject of this documentary, which shows the making of the play and discusses some of the issues raised on stage.

The narrative alternates footage from the in-person performances, held in 2019, recordings of numbers made especially for the video, and testimonials from the artists. “They talk about ‘quilombismo’ [fighting racism through the experience of african-brazilians], the loneliness of black people and even themes such as afrofuturism,” explains director Ricardo Rodrigues. “In addition, they discuss the importance of being in the spotlight, of becoming references for other people.”

“Prot{ago}nists”, the show, puts focus on each of the more than 20 performers on stage, highlighting their individualities and their strength as an ensemble. They perform a variety of numbers – circus, humour, dance and music – and show the multiplicity of black culture, in its sorrows and joys.

TECHNICAL SHEET
Directed and written by: Ricardo Rodrigues
Screenplay, camera, extra images, editing and finalization: Cassandra Mello
Camera and drone: Paulo Pereira
Direct sound: Alexandre Turina
Extra images: Lucio Teles, Maria Lia and Noelia Nájera
“Dos Rola” direction: Vinicius Ramos
Location production: Mariana Per, Renato Ribeiro, Washington Gabriel and Ricardo Rodrigues
Musical direction: Tô Bernado and Renato Ribeiro
Vocal preparation: Rani Guerra
Percussions: Rogerio Nascimento
Double bass: Beatriz Lima
Piano: Leandro Neri
Children’s voices: Yasmin Santos Morais, Isabelly Bernado Queiroz da Silva and Kenny Bernado Evangelista
Production: Renato Gama and Ronaldo Gama
Sound technician: Kauê Gama
Sound technician (vocals): Fábio Benes
Support technician: Marcelo Henrique
Administration: Ligea Mateo