The Passion According to Janair: A Bold New Voice in Theatre

A New Era for Brazilian Theatre in New York

New York City, September 8, 2025 — This fall, Group Dot BR, New York’s only Brazilian theater company, introduces a daring new voice to the city’s cultural stage with the Off-Off-Broadway premiere of The Passion According to Janair. Inspired by Clarice Lispector’s landmark novel The Passion According to G.H., this production shifts the spotlight to Janair—the Black maid whose quiet departure sets Lispector’s narrative in motion—placing her at the center of the story.

The Passion According to Janair is part of HERE’s inaugural HERE Hosts series. This annual program showcases new work from extraordinary artists, ensembles, and independent companies across disciplines. It features artists who share values alignment and strong creative kinship.

Portrayed by acclaimed Brazilian actress Ana Carbatti and directed by Andressa Furletti, Janair steps forward to speak directly to audiences. Her testimony transforms a sidelined character into a model of resilience and empowerment.

“Through Janair’s voice, we confront the realities of invisibility and labor that echo not just in Brazil but across the world. By giving her presence, we transform absence into visibility and silence into expression,” said director Andressa Furletti.

The Story Behind the Production

In Lispector’s original novel, Janair’s existence is revealed in fragments—her room, her absence. On stage, these fragments are reassembled into a living narrative. The production evokes the harsh conditions of domestic workers: small, dimly lit rooms, undervalued labor, and systemic inequities.

The Passion According to Janair highlights the intersections of race, class, labor, and gender. It brings Lispector’s existential questions into urgent dialogue with today’s struggles for equity and visibility. This play resonates deeply with domestic workers worldwide—whose labor sustains households yet whose dignity is too often denied.

The production premieres on November 6, 2025, and runs through November 23, 2025, at HERE Arts Center, SoHo (145 6th Avenue, New York, NY 10013). Tickets are available at: www.group.br.com/janair. Early booking is strongly encouraged for this limited engagement.

The Visionaries Behind the Play

Ana Carbatti: A Multifaceted Talent

Ana Carbatti is a renowned Brazilian actress whose dynamic career spans over three decades across theatre, television, and film. A graduate of the prestigious Casa das Artes de Laranjeiras and the University of Rio de Janeiro, Ana has trained with acclaimed directors and performance collectives. Her stage performances have earned widespread critical acclaim and nominations for Brazil’s most prestigious theatre honors, including the Prêmio APTR and Prêmio Shell for Best Actress.

Ana's recent theatrical work highlights her dedication to socially engaged storytelling. In Ninguém Sabe Meu Nome (No One Knows My Name), a solo performance co-written with Monica Santana, she gives voice to the intimate struggles of a Black mother navigating systemic racism in Brazil. She continues this exploration of silenced narratives as the lead actress and co-writer of The Passion According to Janair.

Andressa Furletti: A Visionary Director

Originally from Brazil, Andressa Furletti is a multidisciplinary artist based in New York. She is the co-founder and artistic director of Group Dot BR. Her artistic works include stage and film acting, performance art, art installation, visual arts, and film. Andressa’s inspiration comes from her diverse educational background, including degrees in Biology and Filmmaking.

Andressa has received several awards, including Best Multimedia Show at the United Solo Festival in New York. Her visual arts and performance arts works have been featured in over 20 exhibitions. She is committed to creating spaces for underrepresented voices in the arts.

The Importance of Representation in Theatre

Theatre has the power to reflect society. It can challenge norms and provoke thought. The Passion According to Janair does just that. By centering the voice of a Black maid, the production addresses themes of race, class, and gender. It compels us to confront uncomfortable truths about our society.

In a world where many stories go untold, this play serves as a reminder of the importance of representation. It urges us to listen to those who have been silenced. By amplifying Janair’s voice, we are invited to reflect on our own perceptions and biases.

Building a Vibrant Theatre Community

Group Dot BR aims to become the go-to platform for theatre enthusiasts and professionals in Pune. By providing comprehensive reviews and insights, the company fosters a vibrant local theatre community. This mission is crucial in a city rich with artistic talent and cultural diversity.

As theatre lovers, we must support initiatives that promote inclusivity and representation. By attending productions like The Passion According to Janair, we contribute to a broader conversation about equity in the arts. Every ticket purchased is a step toward supporting diverse narratives and empowering artists.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

As we anticipate the premiere of The Passion According to Janair, let us reflect on the stories that shape our world. This production not only honors Clarice Lispector’s work but also redefines it through a contemporary lens. It challenges us to confront the realities of invisibility and labor, making it a must-see for anyone passionate about theatre.

Join me in supporting this groundbreaking production. Let’s celebrate the voices that have been marginalized and ensure they are heard. Together, we can create a more inclusive and vibrant theatre community.

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About Group Dot BR: Group Dot BR’s mission is to present the “calor” and diversity of Brazilian culture through the performing arts. By using avant-garde, physical, choreographic, and contemporary theatre as tools, Group Dot BR engages a multicultural community with a forward-thinking approach to its “presencial” and online programs.

About HERE Arts Center: Since 1993, HERE Arts Center has been one of New York’s most prolific arts organizations. It stands at the forefront of the city’s cultural scene, producing and presenting daring, new, multidisciplinary performance experiences.

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