Sao Paulo
The year 2026 brings a theatrical program marked by major musicals and productions with popular appeal, with an emphasis on productions inspired by Tina Turner, Gal Costa and Gilberto Gil, in addition to the arrival of “Shrek“ to the stages of São Paulo.
Actors César Mello and Analu Pimenta to play Ike and Tina Turner in musical about the singer
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Caio Gallucci / Disclosure
Discover below, month by month, the highlights of theater in São Paulo in 2026.
Check the calendar of shows, theater and cinema in the capital of São Paulo in 2026
JANUARY
Shock! Looking for signs of intelligent life
Directed by Lily Tomlin in the 1980s, the comedic monologue features Danielle Winits, who plays multiple roles in sketches about empathy and other contemporary life issues. Directed by Gérald Thomas. Premiere on 01/30, at the Teatro Faap. Tickets on the theater website.
The next morning
After its premiere in Rio, the comedy by British director Peter Quilter, starring Carol Castro, arrives in São Paulo for a short season. In the plot, a shy boy, a determined young woman, an outspoken mother and a brother with a keen sense of humor turn an ordinary morning into an event. Premiere on 1/9, at the Teatro Villa-Lobos. Tickets at Sympla.
The motorcyclist in the globe of death
Eduardo Moscovis directs the monologue which addresses social issues. The plot tells the story of a no-nonsense mathematician who goes to lunch and finds himself involved in a spiral of violence. Premiere on 01/23, at the Teatro Vivo. Tickets at Sympla.
Trickster Opera
Chico Buarque’s show receives a new production, with José Loreto and Totia Meirelles in the cast. The story follows a smuggler who secretly marries the brothel owners’ daughter. Premiere on 01/23, at the Teatro Renault. Tickets at Tickets For Fun.
Brokeback Mountain
A success in Rio, the piece inspired by the prestigious 2005 film arrives in São Paulo. In the plot, two cowboys contacted to take care of sheep experience an intense and impossible romance inside the United States in the 1960s. With Marcéu Pierrotti (Ennis) and Júlio Oliveira (Jack). Premiere on 14/1, at the Teatro Itália. Tickets at Sympla.
FEBRUARY
Tina Turner – The Musical
Tina Turner (1939-2023) herself participated in the conception of the musical, nominated for 12 Tony Awards. Debuting in São Paulo, the show will star Analu Pimenta as Tina and César Mello as Ike Turner. Premiere on 26/2, at the Teatro Santander. Tickets at Sympla.
MARCH
Gal the musical
The plot follows the personal and professional life of Gal Costa, from her childhood to the establishment of her career and the adoption of her son. Songs like “Baby” and “Brasil” are in the repertoire. Opens 6/3, at 033 Rooftop. Tickets at Sympla.
APRIL
Shrek – The Musical
Inspired by Dreamworks animation, the story follows Shrek and his unlikely partner, Talking Donkey, on a journey to save Fiona and find a happy ending. With Tiago Abravanel in the title role. Premiere on 4/15, at the Teatro Renault. Tickets at Tickets For Fun.
CAN
Diana – The People’s Princess
Musical comedy inspired by the trajectory of the woman who brought a more pop status to the British monarchy and who met a tragic end. Sara Sarres plays the central role of Diana, with Claudio Lins as Prince Charles and Simone Centurione as Queen Elizabeth II. Premiere on 14/5, at the Teatro Liberdade. Tickets at Sympla.
AUGUST
Gil – Walk in Faith
Inspired by the remarkable work of Gilberto Gil, the musical will be directed by Miguel Falabella and written by Newton Moreno, which combines songs such as “Eu Vim da Bahia”, “Andar com Fé” and “Realce”. Premiere on 22/8, at the Teatro Santander. Tickets from 01/21 at Sympla.
OCTOBER
Percy Jackson – The Lightning Thief: The Musical
Yes, even him. The hero of the saga created by Rick Riordan will have a musical version, with João Lucas in the role of young Percy, a teenager who discovers that he is the son of Poseidon. Premiere on 10/10, at the Teatro Liberdade.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS IN 2026
JANUARY
Ballet Carmina Burana
Under the direction of choreographers Cláudia Martins and Rafael Carriço, the Portuguese Dance Company Vortice performs to the sound of Carl Orff’s famous cantata. Premiere on 01/22, at the Teatro Liberdade. Tickets at Sympla.
MARCH
Profession of Ana Botafogo
Ana Botafogo, one of the country’s leading names in dance and enjoying wide international recognition, is at the center of the 72nd Ocupação do Itaú, in an exhibition that celebrates her journey and her art. In March, without set date, at Itaú Cultural.
What They Saw: Historical Photo Books of Women
Organized by the Polish Olga Yatskevich, the exhibition offers a reading of the history of the photo book from a female point of view, with classic and rare publications between the 19th century and the end of the 20th century. The exhibition will include around a hundred books. Opening on March 17, at IMS Paulista.
CAN
Profession of Ruth Rocha
The children’s writer from São Paulo, who has already published more than 200 works, will see his life and work unfold during this Occupation. No fixed date, at Itaú Cultural.
JULY
Profession of Helena Ignez
Actress and director with an extensive CV in cinema and theater, Helena Ignez is the protagonist of this Ocupação, which presents images and scenes from historical films from her career, such as “Pátio” (1959), by Glauber Rocha, and “O Bandido da Luz Vermelha” (1968), by Rogério Sganzerla. No fixed date, at Itaú Cultural.
NOVEMBER
Ara Güler / Istanbul
Photojournalist who worked for the Magnum agency, Turkish Ara Güler (1928-2018) witnessed the transformations of Istanbul, his hometown, in the 20th century. The exhibition, made up of around 200 black and white images, mainly presents the 1950s and 1960s. Opening on 11/14, at IMS Paulista.
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