International show 'Velhos' arrives for the first time in the North for a season in Belém

International show "Velhos" arrives for the first time in the North Disclosure After more than three decades dedicated to puppet theater, thousands of presentations and tours in more than 20 countries, Argentine Sergio Mercurio arrives for the first time in the Brazilian Amazon with one of the most recognized shows of his career. Between the 23rd and 26th of July, CAIXA Cultural Belém hosts "Velhos" (Viejos), a show that transforms puppet theater into a sensitive, poetic and deeply human experience for young people and adults. On stage, Mercurio shares the scene with actress Rosi Jacomelli, giving life to characters that cover themes such as memory, affection, companionship and the passage of time. Recognized for expanding the horizons of puppet theater beyond the children's universe, Mercurio built a career marked by encounters with different cultures. For many years, he toured Latin America creating shows inspired by his own travels. Today, he says that his greatest crossing is no longer geographical. "Before leaving on my trip, I wanted to get to know others. Today I talk about the others I met and learned to love", he says. "First I was very interested in space. Then I started to be interested in time." International show "Old People" Disclosure A journey through time The first show in a trilogy dedicated to old age, "Old People" (Viejos) is part of the Old People and Their Grandchildren project, created by Sergio Mercurio to investigate relationships between generations through puppetry. The show brings together eight characters created with different manipulation techniques, from giant dolls to figures driven only by the actors' feet. On stage, they appear neither as heroes nor as victims, but as ordinary people, full of humor, weaknesses, memories and affections. They are characters that could be part of any family and that invite the public to see old age with more delicacy, humanity and tenderness. The first show in a trilogy dedicated to old age, "Old People" (Viejos) is part of the Elders and Their Grandchildren project, created by Sergio Mercurio Disclosure The inspiration for the show was born from the artist's childhood memories alongside his grandparents. "I was looked at by six old people. Today I understand that a child needs something besides food and shelter: they need to be looked at. 'Old people' is the exchange I give them", says Mercurio. Instead of transforming themes such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, loneliness and companionship into a moral lesson, the show relies on humor to bring the audience closer to these experiences. "The moral lesson is serious and boring. Humor transforms the world." Although dolls are traditionally associated with the children's universe, Mercurio chose this language to speak directly to young people and adults. For him, it is precisely inanimate beings that best reveal the human condition. "We believe much more in what is not alive. The living lie, deceive, confuse. What is not alive does not betray. Dolls can become much closer to us", he explains. Throughout the presentations given by Sergio Mercurio in different countries, a reaction is repeated among the public. "Someone always shows up to talk about their father, their grandfather, or to say that they now know how they want to live their future." The season in Belém marks a special moment in the artist’s career. Despite decades traveling the world, it will be his first encounter with the Amazonian public. "I look forward to this with great joy. I hope this is just the first meeting. I already performed in the Bolivian Amazon many years ago and it was wonderful. I hope to move people here again", says Mercurio. Show Service: Velhos (Viejos) Dates: 23, 24, 25 and 26 July 2026 Time: 7pm Location: CAIXA Cultural Belém – Avenida Marechal Hermes, s/n, Armazém 6A, Reduto (Porto Futuro II) Tickets: R$ 20 (full price) R$ 10 (half-price for audiences stipulated by law and customers CAIXA) Free for people aged 60 or over. Sales: at the CAIXA Cultural Belém box office and on the CAIXA Cultural website. Indicative rating: 14 years old ? Follow the g1 Pará channel on WhatsApp