The Brazilians, a Hopeful Profession reopens on December 19,1997 at The Metropolitan in Rio de Janeiro. The musical is sponsored by the Rio de Janeiro City Hall. Bibi Ferreira directs.

Based on the chronicals of the late Brazilian poet Antonio Maria and singer and composer Dolores Duran, this musical written by Paulo Pontes, was performed for the first time in 1970. It shows a fascinating portrayal of Rio de Janeiro City in the 50s. Brazilian legends Dolores Duran and Antonio Maria, famous for their romantic and lonely states of mind, always wrote songs and chronicals about the melancholic long nights in the Rio de Janeiro streets and bars, which was their private and mystic territory.

The Brazilians, a Hopeful Profession (Brasileiro, Profissao Esperanca), the most important musical ever written and performed in Brazil, has a satiric context, and also deals with tenderness, impatience and compassion.

Paulo Pontes, a famous Brazilian journalist, took part in the generation of dramatists who had their views regarding the political situation in Brazil. He died of cancer in December 1976 at the age of 36, leaving an impeccable and vast collection of work.

Playing the leading roles are veteran actress and singer Bibi Ferreira (also directing) and TV and Theatre actor Gracindo Junior. Music by Dolores Duran and Antonio Maria. Performances on Fri and Sat - 10PM; Sun 8PM. Tickets cost R$20,00-R$35,00-R$45,00. For information call 021 283 3773 at The Metropolitan (www.metropolitan.com) in Rio de Janeiro. The run will halt on Christmas Eve and Day, and then resume for an indefinite run.

-- By Nertutila Achao

Brazil Correspondent