Based on the book of the same name by Brazilian sociologist Herbert de Souza, Ailce´s List, a monologue directed by Elias Andreato, opened at The Ruth Escobar Theatre, Dina Sfat Room in Sao Paulo, November 10, running through January 15, 1998.

Herbert de Souza died last August of liver failure associated with AIDS. He is best remembered for a campaign he launched in 1993 to fight hunger, called "Citizens Action Against Misery." The drive drew the support of more than 24 million Brazilians and led to his nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize a year later. He was a haemophiliac and contracted the AIDS virus via blood transfusion in 1986.

A sociologist by training, Herbert de Souza (better known by his nickname Betinho) preached Maoist Revolution in the 1960´s when Brazil and other Latin American nations came under military rule. He was forced to flee Brazil and returned only after nine years in exile.

Ailce´s List is actually a roll-call of relatives and close friends of the author who are to die in time, and was constructed by his cousin Ailce.

Despite this gloomy theme, director Elias Andreato sucessfully brings to the stage the memories of Herbert de Souza, recreating the charismatic characters mentioned in the book with sagacity and humor. Starring young TV and theatre actor Angelo Antonio, Ailce´s List has songs written by famous Brazilians musicians Chico Buarque de Hollanda, Joao Bosco and Aldir Blanc, selected by Musical director Chico Melo.

Performances Thu - Sat - 9PM; Sun - 8PM.

Tickets cost R$20,00 and R$25,00

For Information call 011 289 2358 at The Ruth Escobar Theatre in Sao Paulo.

-- By Nertutila Achao
Brazil Correspondent