After 10 years away from the stage, Luis Navarro, actor from "Pico da Neblina", returns to the theater with the play 'Diamba'. The show tells the story of cannabis in Brazil, from the sacred to the prohibition, without stereotypes and with a lot of art. In the very first scene, the audience is invited to reflect on the sacrament of cannabis, having contact with instruments and music originating from Jamaica.

"Even with this sacramental part, we will not make an apology for use," explains Navarro. "The play brings an educational, religious bias, seeking to explore all the transformative power that theater has."

The show premieres on Monday (27) and runs until December 11, 2025, at Casa Farofa space (headquarters of Teatro da Vertigem). The play is rated for ages 16 and older and has a duration of 70 minutes.

On stage, the four actors, Wesley Guimarães, Timm Arif, Danilo Moura, in addition to Navarro, led by director Renata Carvalho, "kick open the closet" and tell personal stories with the plant. They also perform original songs, directed by Danilo Moura and produced by Zeus Mc.

'Diamba' also provides moments of interaction with the audience. "One of the moments of the play is done in a debate format, where we invite someone from the audience to participate," explains Navarro. At the premiere, the guest will be the lawyer Ewerton Carvalho.

At the end of the show, the audience is invited to look at their mental and physical health. "The Verde Vida association has made itself available to provide information and free consultation for those who watch the play". Verde Vida and A Leda are the sponsors of the show.

From paper to stage

When deciding to return to the theater, Navarro researched several texts until he came across Daniel Paiva's work, the comic book documentary "Diamba - History of Prohibition in Brazil".

The book contains historical accounts, ranging from the first records of cannabis use in Ancient China, through the great navigations and slavery, to the current discussions on decriminalization.

For this, based on a true story, Daniel created a fictional character, the central figure of the documentary, which will be played by Navarro in the play.

"It is very gratifying for an artist to see their view of the world, their expression, resonate in other artists, inspiring the creation of this play, a work with a new power," comments Daniel Paiva about the play 'Diamba'.

Daniel highlighted the talented and qualified team to resignify his art. "I put ideas in ink on paper. They took that and put their own body: flesh, bone, blood, tears to represent that idea and elevate it exponentially."

Navarro says that, upon contacting Daniel, he insisted that he see his work and make sure that his work was in good hands. From the union, a powerful manifestation linking the past and the future was born.

"Over time, many black people became afraid, lost their ancestry, identity, name, even their sacred plant. We want to worship everything back," adds Navarro.

Daniel expects a diverse audience, equal and different from the readers of the comic book documentary. "I hope it reaches other audiences, the largest number of people. It's about raising awareness about our history and the absurd consequences of prohibition."

Service: Play 'Diamba'

Duration: 70 minutes 

Rating: 16 years 

Date: October 27 to December 11, 2025

27, 28, and 29/10 (Mon, Tue, Wed)

03, 04, 05/11 (Mon, Tue, Wed)

10, 11, and 12/11 (Mon, Tue, Wed)

17, 18, 19, and 20/11 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu)

24, 25, 26, and 27/11 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu)

01 and 02/12 (Mon and Tue)

09, 10, and 11/12 (Tue, Wed, Thu)

Location: Teatro da Vertigem headquarters - R. Treze de Maio, 240, 1st floor - Bixiga, São Paulo, SP 

Time: Monday to Wednesday, at 8:00 pm; on Thursdays (November 20 and 27), also at 8:00 pm Phone: (11) 3031-7138 

Ticket: https://www.sympla.com.br/evento/diamba/3153424

Capacity: 60 seats 

*The venue does not have accessibility.