Play about the clash between Benedict XVI and Francis returns to São Paulo

The story of a meeting of power, conviction and humanity between then Pope Benedict XVI and Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio to discuss the future of the Catholic Church returns to the stages of São Paulo starting this Friday (22), starring Celso Frateschi and Zé Carlos Machado.

Based on the text by Anthony McCarten, author of the Oscar-nominated adaptation, the play received its first international production in Brazil, with original direction by Munir Kanaan. It will be seen until September 13th at Teatro Cultura Artística in Consolação. Tickets range from R$100 to R$180.

Full of reflections, faith and transformation, "The Two Popes," which has already shone on the London stage and was adapted by Netflix - a work directed by Fernando Meirelles -, highlights the unexpected invitation received by then-Cardinal Bergoglio to meet with Benedict XVI at a time when the Argentine is determined to ask for his retirement, dissatisfied with the way Joseph Ratzinger has led the Church.

Meanwhile, Benedict XVI is considering resigning from his pontificate due to growing pressure and challenges. Amid this scenario, Bergoglio emerges as an unlikely candidate for succession.

During the conversation, worldviews clash and secrets are shared. The plot takes an unexpected turn, and the Argentine cardinal is faced with an opportunity that could change the fate of the Church.

In an interview with ANSA, the play's director, Munir Kanaan, highlights that the work, whose focus "is human, ideological and spiritual discussion", "is moving in itself" and is provocative, "because it is a meeting of different styles and full of contradictions, just like relationships are".

"Since I had the idea, I wanted to highlight the possibility and the need for dialogue and listening, because this is a play that's a little bit about that," he said, noting that "the world is polarized."

Between conflicts, secrets, and moments of mutual respect, the play reveals the humanity behind papal figures, showing that sacred vestments hide dilemmas, doubts, and decisions that can change history.

With such a strong clash, it was also necessary to find two performers with a strong presence in national theater and unquestionable talents.

"I needed two actors to represent what these two popes represent in the church, so I needed two 'theater popes,' especially with different personalities," Kannan said about choosing Frateschi and Machado to play Bergoglio and Ratzinger, respectively.

In addition to these two, the cast also features "two strong female voices": actress Eliana Guttman, who plays Sister Brigitta, a friend of Benedict XVI and responsible for encouraging him to remain firm in his convictions; and Carol Godoy, the nun Sofia, who was orphaned during the dictatorship in Argentina and found hope in Bergoglio's speech.

For Kannan, the "dramatic function of these two characters is very important," especially for the introduction of the play and presentation to the audience of the clash between Benedict XVI and the man who would become Francis: "They help to reveal the soul of the protagonists."