Jose de Alencar Theater

Come for a night at the theater and be entertained by national and international acts at the beautiful José de Alencar Theater. Spend some time appreciating the fine art nouveau architecture and take a tour to see a superb collection of artworks.

The José de Alencar Theater opened in 1910 and has been holding regular performances ever since. The original plan, designed by Captain Bernardo José de Mello, included a charming garden. This feature was not added until years later however, when landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx finally realized de Mello’s dream.

Check the theater’s events listing to see a diverse range of productions, from a samba troupe to a musical or a traditional play. Be sure to arrive early to spend some time admiring the building’s stunning architecture. The first thing you will notice is the façade, featuring bright blue glass and Scottish-imported cast iron embellishments. Even in a town of Fortaleza’s architectural color, this is a striking building.

Explore the interior to find yet more architectural delights. See examples French 19th-century Belle Epoque artwork adorning the walls of the stalls and cabins. Take your seat and see an exciting production performed on the large stage.

Be sure to pay a visit to Marx’s garden. This tranquil, leafy space is home to 50 species of plants from five continents. Relax in the shade and enjoy performances by some of the street performers who congregate here. The theater also puts on shows in this quaint garden throughout the year.

The best way to experience the theater is to see it in action. Productions take place most nights of the week. If you just want to admire the theater’s architecture, tours lasting roughly 30 minutes take place throughout the day for a small fee. The theater is located on the south side of José de Alencar Square, which is close to the city center and on several popular bus routes.