Brazilian historic theatres reopen with municipal backing

São Paulo’s Teatro Bibi Ferreira avoided closure after the city council approved Law 18.379, remitting its IPTU debt and supporting a cultural‑preservation ordinance. Manager Francesco Gagliano, councilor Gabriel Abreu, Mayor Ricardo Nunes and cultural secretary Totó Parente were instrumental in securing the theatre’s future and initiating its historic‑site protection process.

The municipal Teatro João Caetano also reopened on 27 June 2026, following a R$10 million renovation. The free performance of the play “Saudade” by the group Os Geraldos marked the venue’s reinauguration and the launch of the “Giro Sesc 80 years in São Paulo municipal theatres” program.

In Petrópolis, a public meeting was held on 3 July 2026 at the city council to discuss the reopening of the long‑closed Theatro Dom Pedro, mobilising artists, producers and citizens to decide the building’s future.

Salvador’s Teatro Castro Alves celebrated its reopening on 1 July 2026 after a R$260 million modernization that upgraded sound, lighting, accessibility and technical facilities. The ceremony was broadcast live nationwide, highlighting the theatre’s role as a cultural landmark in Bahia.