Gilberto Gil's life explored in new musical and biography

The life and career of Brazilian composer Gilberto Gil are being explored through both stage and literature. The musical biography “GIL – Andar com Fé” is currently playing at Teatro Santander in São Paulo until October 4. Directed by Miguel Falabella, the production features an ensemble of 34 artists and follows Gil’s journey, including his period of exile in London.

Actor Gui Ventura, who plays the lead role, described the challenge of portraying the complexity of the artist. Meanwhile, biographer Tom Cardoso has released a new book, “Nem Tanto Esotérico Assim,” which offers a nuanced look at Gil’s history. Cardoso reveals a significant family contradiction: while Gilberto Gil was living in exile following his arrest by the military dictatorship, his father, Gil Moreira, supported the 1964 coup and celebrated the presidency of General Emílio Garrastazu Médici.