The artist Zé Clayton is a childhood character for many. Even though his face is not necessarily known, Clayton was present through the dog Priscila from TV Colosso, Donkey Falante from Sítio do Picapau Amarelo, pitbull Sadam from Casseta e Planeta and many other well-known dolls on TV. The experienced actor, director and manipulator is now part of the Avenida Q project, the first Broadway musical produced in Ceará. Scheduled to premiere on July 2 this year, the work is in the casting process.
“It’s magical to be able to mix the actor with the puppet. See the doll’s expression on the artist’s face and vice versa. The manipulation touches reality with subtlety and grace”, says Clayton, who arrives in Fortaleza in April, when he will direct the artists from Ceará. For the manipulator, the artists of Avenida Q will have a great challenge, as they will be on stage, showing their face and body together with the puppets. “They have to make the audience see the actor and the puppet as one thing”.
With an extensive curriculum, “Priscila’s father” was responsible for the first adaptation of Avenida Q in Brazil. He coordinated the manipulation in the production in Rio de Janeiro in 2009. For him, the difference between manipulation made for children and that made for adults is subtle, as is the case with the musical being edited in Ceará. “The technique and form are the same. What changes is the way of making fun, the malice”, he points out.
Having also worked on programs such as Bambuluá, a children’s show led by Angélica, and Turma do Didi, Clayton says that the situation of puppets on TV today is different. “The broadcasters are investing less in children’s programming. It’s no longer interesting, it’s not commercial,” he says. For him, the solution to the manipulators’ career has been to invest in sitcoms and other comedy products. His last works were in Zorra Total, as the Orangutan Silva, and as Lionel Messi’s puppet, a success during the 2014 World Cup.
Broadway in Ceará
“Although the musical is about puppets, it’s not exactly for children. It’s a very fun show, but it deals with some hairy themes, such as racism, homosexuality and other situations in which the spectator will identify”, says Allan Deberton, producer of the Ceará montage. Highlighting that the show is inspired by Sesame Street, Allan says that the puppets bring lightness to the themes presented.
A Broadway success since 2003, Q Avenue tells the story of Princeton, a young man who dreams of living on A Avenue, in New York. Because he cannot pay, he ends up on a more distant avenue, Q. In the peripheral region, the character finds receptive neighbors and, based on their stories, the plot unfolds.
Until February 10th, artists interested in composing the cast can apply for tests. “We want to reveal names and form a hub for the production of musical shows here in Ceará”, projects the producer.
Service
Selection of actors for the musical Avenida Q Registration: Until February 10th.
Website: www.avenidaq.com/
Free registrations
