Review: ‘Made in Brasil: Solo Works’ at Highways Performance Space

Cast of "Made in Brasil: Solo Works" at Highways Performance Space (Photo courtesy of the show)

Created and produced by Leopold Nunan and directed by Bia Olivera, “Made in Brasil: Solo Works” at Highways Performance Space is more than just a night of solo performances. It is an immersive celebration of Brazilian artists, culture and identity that begins the moment one walks in the doors.

Before the first act even begins, the production sets a tone that feels intimate, communal and full of life. Presented through five solo, one-act performances, the show explores identity, displacement, reinvention and belonging through the perspective of Brazilian artists living abroad.

Each piece has its own style and rhythm, yet the production does a strong job showing that identity is not something fixed, but something that continues to shift through memory, experience and the reality of building a life away from home.

The performers are engaging across the board, with each actor bringing something personal and memorable to the stage. Host Andréa Ferraz keeps the audience connected between scenes and delivers two captivating ballads that each sweep the room into a different emotional space.

The show takes place in a small black-box theatre, with a large white screen stretching nearly wall-to-wall on which projections serve as a major visual element throughout the evening. Costuming is minimal, aside from Ferraz’s outfit changes between scenes, but overall, the costumes support each performance without distracting from the work.

Lighting design is really the unsung hero of this production as it tastefully crafts and elevates each scene from moment to moment, making the overall experience feel polished and sensory. Brazilian music helps shape the transitions and atmosphere, reinforcing the cultural aesthetic without overshadowing the performances.

Each one-act story has its own director, which gives the evening variety without making it feel disconnected. The stories feel fresh but still rooted in truth and realism. Alex Tietre’s “Clarice and the Chicos” builds curiosity in an effective way, allowing the audience to slowly understand the character’s journey. I also appreciated how César Baptista in “158 Steps,” Chicha Barbosa in “Marilyn Times,” and Billy Burguess in “Minotaur.exe” use the lighting and projector to add more depth and texture to their performances.

Renato Fimene in “158 Steps” and Leopold Nunan in “Minotaur.exe” give standout performances that stay with one long after their pieces end. Both bring a level of honesty and presence that makes their work feel theatrical, but still deeply human.

Overall, my experience was incredible. “Made in Brasil: Solo Works” held my attention from beginning to end — as it did for the rest of the audience — opening my eyes to Brazilian culture in a way that felt engaging, thoughtful and sincere. Personally, I did not need the intermission because I was so engrossed in the flow of the show, but it did not detract from my experience. This is a moving and well-crafted production that celebrates identity, artistry and the courage it takes to evolve without losing yourself.

“Made in Brasil: Solo Works” performed on May 8 and 9 at Highways Performance Space, 1651 18^th St., Santa Monica. For more information, visit HighwaysPerformance.org.