UNAPOLOGETICALLY HERSELF: THE JOURNEY OF FREEDOM AND BOLDNESS OF MARIA ALCINA
MODERATION: CHRIS FUSCALDO

In this Talk with Maria Alcina, the audience is invited to dive into the journey of an artist whomade boldness her signature and freedom her flag. Born in Cataguases (Minas Gerais), she began singing in secret, facing from an early age the limitations imposed by her humble origins. Her deep voice and vibrant presence quickly set her apart, breaking norms with audacity and originality. She rose to fame at the 1972 International Song Festival with “Fio Maravilha,” becoming an icon of her generation alongside Ney Matogrosso and the Dzi Croquettes. At the height of her career, she was heavily censored by Brazil’s military dictatorship, persecuted for her androgynous image and provocative performances. Shut out by the industry, she persevered through circus stages and popular TV shows until reclaiming her artistic recognition in the 2000s, celebrated by new audiences and critics alike. Together with the artist herself, we will revisit and reflect on themes of art, politics, identity, and resistance. The talk will also be an opportunity to explore the behind-the-scenes of Sem Vergonha, a documentary-musical that celebrates Maria Alcina’s creative force and uniqueness, blending memory, music, and theatrical invention.