Wedding Dress at Playhouse 46

Brazilian Theater Classic ‘Wedding Dress’ by Nelson Rodrigues Premieres in NYC

New York, NY – March 2025 – This May, Off-Broadway audiences will experience a groundbreaking moment in Brazilian and Latin American theater history as Wedding Dress (Vestido de Noiva), the seminal work by Nelson Rodrigues, makes its highly anticipated New York premiere. A group of Brazilian and international artists joins forces to bring this masterpiece to the stage at Playhouse46 from May 16-18, 2025.

Originally written in 1943, Wedding Dress is widely regarded as the play that revolutionized modern Brazilian theater. The story follows Alaíde, a young bride on her deathbed, as she navigates a dreamlike tapestry of memories, hallucinations, and reality. Through a non-linear structure, the play explores psychological and familial conflicts, exposing deep-seated secrets that challenge the social norms of its time. With a powerful blend of tragedy, comedy, and symbolism, Rodrigues delves into universal themes such as repression, guilt, morality, and madness.

This New York production is the result of a creative collaboration between director Julia Burnier, producers Catarina Aranha and Beatriz Silva and an ensemble of talented artists, including Ana Moioli, Daniel Mazzarolo, Debora Balardini and Ma Troggian in the cast. A collaboration with production company Are We In Love?, the initiative aims to introduce Wedding Dress to an international audience, fostering a cultural exchange that embodies the diversity of New York City’s artistic scene.

The timing of this premiere coincides with a broader cultural moment: following the Oscar win of the Brazilian film I'm Still Here, Brazilian culture is once again in vogue on the global stage, drawing renewed attention to its rich artistic legacy and contemporary relevance.

A Landmark in Modern Theater

Scholars and critics consider Wedding Dress a defining work in Brazilian theater, marking the transition to a modern dramatic tradition. According to studies on the play:

“Wedding Dress is regarded as the founding text of modern Brazilian drama, a source for an entire lineage of contemporary theater. [...] Rodrigues masterfully manipulates space and time, breaking linear thought, crafting a complex scenic structure, and establishing a profound dialogue with imagination and delirium. By doing so, he not only portrays society but also unveils it.” –– L. Fleury Dória, “Vestido de Noiva – O Texto Fundador.” Revista Científica FAP, 2006.

“Nelson Rodrigues is a playwright of extraordinary talent.” — R. Magalhães Jr., Diário de Notícias, 1943.

This production seeks to honor the legacy of Nelson Rodrigues while offering a fresh perspective on his avant-garde storytelling.

Show Details

Venue: Playhouse46 – 308 W. 46th Street, New York, NY 10036
Dates & Times:

      May 16 – 7:30 PM

      May 17 – 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM

      May 18 – 7:30 PM
Ticket link: https://www.viewcy.com/e/wedding_dress_1

Creative Team & Cast

Director: Julia Burnier
Assistant Director: Beatriz Silva

Producers: Catarina Aranha and Beatriz Silva, in collaboration with Are We In Love?
Cast: Ana Moioli, Daniel Mazzarolo, Debora Balardini, Ma Troggian, Fabiana Mattedi, Patrick McGuines, Denycia Thompson, Marlene Hoffmann, Pablo Cortez, Julio Kaczam, Camila Curty, and Cecily Baring-Gould

Creative Team:

      Costume Design: Catarina Aranha

      Lighting Design: Vini Tabarini

      Scenic Design: Luis Marciliano

      Music Composition and Sound Design: Vic Delnur and Laura Pereira

Wedding Dress (Vestido de Noiva) is an unmissable theatrical event that bridges cultures, generations, and artistic traditions. Audiences can expect a visually and emotionally striking performance that pushes the boundaries of conventional theater.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to witness the New York premiere of one of Brazil’s most influential plays!