Aretha Sadick highlights art as a form of resistance: 'More powerful creations'

Aretha Sadick (37) continues with the show Avenida Paulista, from Consolação to Paraíso in São Paulo until June 29. Playing two distinct archetypes, the actress delves into a complex structure that reflects on femininity and blackness. In an interview with CARAS Brasil , she highlights art as a form of resistance and debate: "More powerful creations" , she says.

Theater and poetry as a meeting point

After standing out in audiovisual productions such as City of God - The Fight Doesn't Stop , Victims of the Day , Reincarnation and Oxygen Masks (Will Not) Fall Automatically , Aretha returns once again to the stage, her home territory. In Avenida Paulista , from Consolation to Paradise , a show directed by Nelson Baskerville (63), she sees the chance to dialogue directly with the city and its affections.

"The show is an ocean of poetry about the capital of São Paulo. I imagine that people will identify with the relationship between reality and life. The waters will flow!" he comments.

To handle a complex dramatic structure, which involves acting in several roles, Aretha relied on the physical preparation of Marcelo Evelin (63). "He was crucial in physically revealing the essences of so many characters. After all, every human being is multiple, although many times they make us want to forget that" , he evaluates.

Black protagonism

In the movies, Aretha moved everyone when she played Cinara in the feature film Victims of the Day , which premiered in January. A character that speaks to the daily lives of black Brazilian women — and, for that very reason, required a deep personal dive. "My references for Cinara were definitely the women in my daily life. For many years as a teenager, I believed that work as a receptionist would be my only option. The problem is not the work, but rather that it is the only option for some social groups," she reflects.

Scenic freedom also marked the filming experience: "The theatrical approach allowed for freer acting, especially in relation to facial expressions. In some way, it reminds us that there is no need to 'cry pretty'" .

In the scene shared with Bete Mendes (76), Aretha highlights the crossover between cinema and theater. "It was a powerful overlap. Theater when it wants to remove the superfluous and focus only on the emotions that matter."

Acting alongside names like Amaury Lorenzo (40) and Jéssica Ellen (32) was also a highlight for the actress, who found herself reaffirming her place in the industry. "I reaffirmed my place as a rising star. Amaury's availability, always in a kind manner, caught my attention. As for Jéssica, watching her return to the scene after motherhood was very beautiful. She brought her fragility to the scene with generosity."

Between resistance and reinvention

Aretha is also going through an intense phase in streaming. In City of God - The Fight Doesn't Stop , she returned as Koral , a character who gained more autonomy in the new season. "If in the first phase she made dreams come true with her friends, now she starts to pursue her own. It seems that love will strengthen Koral's brave heart" , she reveals.

In Oxygen Masks (Will Not) Fall Automatically , his participation may be brief, but it has a great symbolic weight: "It was the opportunity to record on screen artists of the night who inspired me a lot. I believe it will be very beautiful!"

The plurality of productions outside the traditional television mold also excites her. "This openness to flirting and mixing references enriches everyone. My presence in these works is also a way of recognizing and valuing other possible narratives."

Art as a means of struggle

With so many projects underway and others to come, Aretha sees her career at a point of expansion and affirmation. "It has been a very important moment, and at the same time, quite challenging" , she admits.

Whether on stage or on screen, her artistic presence carries a commitment to the collective imagination. "I want to continue creating as an actress, creating new imaginaries and poetry, which is what I can give to the world." And she concludes with a certainty: "Art is a form of resistance. And in these times, more than ever, we need these powerful creations that are born of urgency."