Soraya Ravenle Shines as Dalva de Oliveira in Rio

Who is Dalva de Oliveira and why does this show matter?

Dalva de Oliveira (1917–1972), born Vicentina Paula de Oliveira in São Paulo, was one of Brazil's most celebrated voices of the 1940s and 1950s. Her repertoire — sambas-canção, boleros and passionate tangos — cut through hearts with a clarity and anguish that defined an era. She is also remembered for her bold personal story: she publicly broke from composer and life partner Herivelto Martins (1912–1992), a daring move for a woman of that decade, and she carried physical scars from a car accident alongside deeper wounds of public humiliation.

What is 'Minha Estrela Dalva' about?

Written by actor and playwright Renato Borghi, Minha Estrela Dalva is a theatrical musical that revisits the life and artistry of Dalva de Oliveira. Directed by Elias Andreato and Elcio Nogueira Seixas, the show stars Soraya Ravenle in the title role alongside Borghi himself, Ivan Vellame and Elcio Nogueira Seixas. It is Borghi's second theatrical work centred on Dalva — his first, A Estrela Dalva (1987), starred Marília Pêra (1943–2015). Soraya Ravenle was part of the chorus in that original 1987 production.

Why is Soraya Ravenle's performance so significant?

Now 63, Soraya is widely regarded as one of Brazil's finest musical-theatre actresses. Minha Estrela Dalva marks her 32nd theatrical musical. Rather than mimicking Dalva's iconic voice — a risky path given its unmatched power — Soraya captures the singer's spirit: the soaring, sometimes sharp upper register, and the defiant posture of an artist who never bowed her head despite public humiliation and personal pain. Critics and audiences have called it a personal triumph.

Where and when can you see it?

After a successful run in São Paulo, the production has moved to Rio de Janeiro, where it will play at Teatro Claro Mais through 27 September, Thursday to Sunday.