Actress, singer and dancer Larissa Venturini returns to the stage with the re-premiere of the children’s play “The Environment is with Us”, which will be directed by Joana Motta and written by Pedro Motta Gueiros. The show, which aims to raise awareness among children about the importance of taking care of the environment, will be on display from June 7 to July 27 at Teatro das Artes, in Shopping da Gávea. With a solid career in musical theater, Larissa brings her experience as a singer and dancer to this project, which highlights the urgent need for sustainable actions, especially among the new generations.
You are part of the cast of the play “Meio ambiente é com a gente” (The Environment is with Us), which is being re-released with an urgent and necessary message. What has it been like to participate in a show that combines art and environmental awareness, especially for a children’s audience?
It’s been incredible. We’re sending a very important message to those who will be the future of our planet. Art can reach people in a playful, fun and often effective way. So it’s a great responsibility and honor to be able to show children what we should do to save our world. And it’s wonderful to see how they absorb this message! They repeat the play’s motto, interact by sharing their own experiences during the scene, talk about how not to pollute the planet with the character… it gives us a sense of duty accomplished.
You mentioned that “the world depends on us” and that it is important to pass this message on to children. How did this project make you personally reflect on your own attitudes towards the environment?
It has been a daily learning experience. It is impossible to be in a show that speaks emphatically about caring for the planet and not end up noticing your own attitudes. Since we started rehearsing, these issues have become more apparent to me and I pay attention to every step I can take in relation to sustainability. We started separating our trash for recycling at home, which, although very necessary, is not something that people are used to doing.
Your career is marked by major musicals, such as “ Beetlejuice ”, “Legally Blonde” and “Frentico Dancin’ Days ”. How did each musical experience contribute to the artist you are today — and what still fascinates you about this format?
Frenético Dancin Days was my first major musical. I owe a lot to Joana ( Motta) for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to live and grow with this experience.
I believe that each work taught me something that I will take with me for life! The difference between the Larissa who started back in 2018 and the Larissa of today is noticeable, much more confident in her creations, more professional and artistically mature. Each of these shows gave me the opportunity to grow, to experiment with infinite possibilities of expression, to dive headfirst into the characters and to have fun on stage.
And yes, I still find the musical format charming. I’m from the generation that grew up with Disney musicals and I’ve always dreamed of being able to combine the three arts that I love: singing, dancing and acting. Musicals give me that opportunity. I can express myself through song when words are no longer enough, or even dance to express a feeling. I think it’s wonderful to have so many possibilities within a single work.
In addition to acting, you also sing and dance in shows such as “Aquele Abraço” at Roxy Dinner Show. How do you balance these three artistic languages in your daily life and what does each of them awaken in you?
People always ask me which of these three languages I prefer and I never know how to answer, lol. Precisely because I believe that each of them can express the same feeling or sensation in a different way, and it’s incredible to have such a wide range of possibilities to explore.
My life in the arts began with acting, which is my passion and has been with me for 18 years, and with dancing, influenced by my mother, who is a dancer. Singing came a little later and it was a shock for me to understand that I could sing. It took me a while to believe in my ability, but today it is one of my strengths that I love and value so much. I continue to take classes in the three arts, I continue to improve myself every day and always seek to improve.
In the audiovisual industry, you have experience as a presenter and actress in soap operas, series and advertising campaigns. What attracts you most about the language of the camera and how does it interact with your background on stage?
Starting out in audiovisual was a delightful surprise, but quite challenging. The way we act, gesture and express ourselves in front of the camera is completely different from when we are on stage. This sparked my curiosity and the desire to challenge myself to improve in yet another form of acting, completely different from what I was used to.
What I love most about audiovisual is the way a scene is transformed through the lens. The details, the micro-expressions , the look, everything is intensified on camera. It is a very meticulous art. And I also believe that this form of interpretation gave me a clearer perception of expression on stage and the notable differences between them. It gave me more awareness, as well as the notion that, sometimes, less can say much more.
Your resume includes respected degrees such as CEFTEM, CAL, Moeller and Botelho, among others. What motivates you the most to continue training and challenging yourself, even with so much work already done?
The artist is always changing. Our studies never stop. I know I still have a lot to learn, even though I have come a long way. But there are many techniques and expressions to be tried. Each experience brings us something new. It is an infinite range of possibilities. Therefore, the learning never stops.
“The Environment is Our Business” speaks directly to children — a demanding and sincere audience. What is your exchange with this special audience like, and what do you feel when you realize the impact that art can have on them?
I love interacting with children! I started in theater when I was 7 and worked with children’s theater until I was 17. I’ve always loved interacting with the little ones. They’re lively, interested, curious, and they really talk! This brings theater to life. Plus, it’s always nice to receive affection from the children after the show.
Furthermore, we know that art transforms! So, it is extremely important that this transformation be made in those who are still learning their role in society. Therefore, it is a great responsibility to convey the right message. And nothing is worth the happiness of realizing that they are learning, embarking on the story and absorbing everything we are saying. It is gratifying. As I said: a feeling of duty accomplished.
You are constantly moving artistically, currently studying for a Bachelor’s Degree in Performing Arts at UNIRIO. What are the dreams that still drive you and the challenges you want to face in the next phase of your career?
I have many dreams! I want to explore my artistic ability even further, broaden my horizons, and challenge myself as an actress. I want to be the best version of myself I can be, with the experience to make my characters even richer and deeper. And speaking of characters, there are still many that I want to play: from a villain in a soap opera to a heroine in a theater; an undefined creature or a princess. The possibilities are endless! And until I experience several of them, I won’t stop.
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