Brazil is known for its popular soap operas, better known as telenovelas with a massive following around the world. The actors immediately achieve super star status. Mauricio Pitanga from the new hit series Malhação takes us back to Vidigal, the notorious favela where he lived when he first moved to Rio to make a name for himself.
Can you remember your first impressions of when you moved to Vidigal?
The people living in Vidigal are mainly from a low-income background from every corner of Brazil. A cheerful community, colorful, very responsive and with the most wonderful view on life. The theatre school Nós do Morro which I attended is exceptional, not to mention that they have an almost private beach which they share with the Sheraton Hotel! At that time it was a bit strange, considering the amount of weapons around as the UPP (Police Pacification Unit) had not yet been formed.
How has the neighbourhood changed since?
Before, the community was dominated by the drug lords so it lived by the traffic laws. Actually there were hardly any crime in the community because the drug barons were very harsh with their punishments. Obviously it was a very abusive form of power . With the news that the community would receive the UPP, the drug dealers left and immediately national and international investors began to acquire lands and buildings. Vidigal changed so much with the arrival of the UPP. Now there are hostels, new establishments and more people from outside Brazil living there, even tourists arrived. The fact that it’s located on the south front of Rio de Janeiro, has increased its value and so many local families who were lacking the means to remain were forced to leave the community. Today I live in the first Island by Barra da Tijuca.
Can you recommend us your favorite eating spots in your new neighbourhood?
Outback, Koni, the Nifty Bar and Belmonte.
What are the main differences between life in Sao Paulo and Rio?
In São Paulo there’s a much greater availability of jobs and opportunities for professional growth, but Rio de Janeiro had the quality of life. I wouldn’t trade my Carioca life for anything!!
So what’s next for you?
I was born in Resende just outside of Rio and when I turned 15 I left to capitalise on my dream to become an actor, doing plays, movies and campaigns. Now at the age of 23 I have done a role in the popular series Imperio and the network Globo has hired me for the new series Malhação. I am a constant learner, always an apprentice and I prepare for the day when I’ll be worthy of my first red carpet.
Interview & Photography by Andrea Vecchiato