Born in Rio de Janeiro and known as VN, Vinícius Rodrigues is an inspiration for young black people from the outskirts of the city. After standing out in passinho and participating in the Disney+ series Passinho, Ritmo dos Sonhos, he is now taking a new step in his artistic career by joining the cast from the musical Rio Uphill . The show, which premieres on October 27 at the Adolpho Bloch Theater, tells the story of the encounter of two young people from Rio de Janeiro from opposite backgrounds, bringing to light social challenges amid the twists and turns of New Year’s Eve.
You started out in the passinho team, standing out as a dancer. How did this initial trajectory help build your artistic identity and open doors in your career?
I started urban dance when I was 10 years old. At 16, I discovered the passinho movement, and at 18 I started working in a contemporary dance company that uses this style.
Being part of the series Passinho, Ritmo dos Sonhos on Disney+ was a milestone in your journey. What was the experience of being part of this project like, and what impact did it have on your professional life?
It was amazing! This was my first series, my first big project. I lived a dream and I feel very fulfilled for being able to enter such a closed bubble as the cinema.
Now you’re making your stage debut with the musical Rio Uphill . How has the transition from the world of dance and television to musical theater been?
Rio UpHill is not my first musical. I made my stage debut as a dancer, but as an actor I have already participated in plays such as Invisible City, Resistance: A Dream Come True, Musical Favela and the international musical The Birds, which premiered in Greece. Now, with Rio UpHill , I have a special affection for it, because I love playing my character. Besides, the other actors are also incredible.
The musical addresses social inequalities and the encounter of opposing realities. How does this narrative resonate with your own story and worldview?
The play is very powerful because we really address issues that happen within the community. People think that there is only violence in the favela and that favela residents don’t know how to do anything. Bringing this reality to a stage in the South Zone and showing what a community really is is extremely moving.
As a dancer and choreographer, what do you feel dance adds to your performance in the musical? Is there a unique exchange between these talents during the performances?
I confess that I was very focused on creating my character. He has nothing to do with dance, although I like to dance at the ball. Since it is a musical, there is a need for connection with dance and singing, but my main focus was on acting. The best thing of all was to get away from the dancer label and not play a character linked to dance. I worked professionally with dance for 10 years, but my focus now is different: I want to win several awards for my performance. Being a dancer who is standing out as an actor is already incredible, but I want more! I am a visionary, I want to grow even more!
You are an inspiration to many young black people from the outskirts of the city who dream of becoming artists. What advice would you give to those who want to turn challenges into opportunities, like you did?
It may sound cliché, but I always say: if you have a dream, go after it, make it happen and believe in it. If you don’t believe in your own dream, no one will do it for you. It won’t be easy, but when you start achieving your goals, you’ll realize that it was worth not giving up.
Rio de Janeiro is a recurring backdrop on your social media and in your projects. How does the city influence your creativity and how do you seek to represent the essence of Rio in your art?
Wherever I go, I always say that I am a product of the Vila Cruzeiro favela. No one chooses to be born there; you simply fall there by chance. I no longer live there, but my roots and my essence will never be lost. I will carry that with me for the rest of my life.
Making your debut in a musical is a big step, but what else do you want to achieve in your career as a multifaceted artist? Are there other areas you would like to explore?
As I mentioned, this is not my first musical, just as it is not my first work in audiovisual. But, for me, it is being incredible. I want my name in the spotlight!
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