Opening of FliRui unites Maria Bethânia and Margareth Menezes for a literary event with tributes, indigenous donations, and poetry.
Packed house celebrates literature
The Casa de Rui Barbosa Foundation, linked to the Ministry of Culture, welcomed a full audience on Friday (28) for the opening of the first edition of FliRui. The festival runs until Sunday (30), offering more than 40 free activities and promoting access to literature and culture.
Highlights marked the start of the event, such as Maria Bethânia’s tribute reading for poet Neide Archanjo. In addition, Culture Minister Margareth Menezes participated in the historic ceremony for the donation of indigenous archives to the Brazilian Literature Archive-Museum at the FCRB.
Poetry, history and diversity
The event began with a performance by actor and researcher Rodrigo de Odé using the berimbau, emphasizing that poetry, body and music are intertwined. Next, Angolan writer Ana Paula Tavares gave the opening lecture “Angola, Fifty Years and Poetry”, reinforcing the international profile of FliRui.
One of the most anticipated moments was Maria Bethânia’s reading of Neide Archanjo’s poems, including excerpts from “Pequeno Oratório do Poeta para o Anjo” and “Marinhas – Canto II: Litorais”. In doing so, the artist underscored the relevance of Neide’s powerful lyrical work.
Bethânia highlighted her personal connection: “I am very happy to be here, because Neide was a great friend. While she was still alive, I was able to record some of her poems. So I chose texts that capture our relationship, our coexistence, and the spectacular poetry of Neidinha,” she said.
Indigenous archive donation strengthens memory
In an unprecedented ceremony, the Casa de Rui Barbosa Foundation incorporated documents, objects and materials from indigenous authors into its collection. Daniel Munduruku, Márcia Kambeba and Eliane Potiguara now form part of Brazil’s official literary heritage.
Minister Margareth Menezes emphasized: “Shining a light on the collaboration of Afro-Brazilian literature and Indigenous peoples strengthens critical thinking among all Brazilians. This increases knowledge about our own history! The people create culture, and it is the role of the State to make policies that strengthen these diverse cultural expressions. That is what the Ministry of Culture has been doing since we resumed cultural policies in Brazil. President Lula shares this view: people should have access to reading and the democratization of culture must be a reality for everyone!”
Diverse programming and open access
On its first day, FliRui offered open-air workshops, a conversation with Ondjaki about Angolan literature, and children’s theater. Then, the program continued with a book launch and illustration and poetry workshops in the garden. Admission is free, granted in order of arrival and subject to capacity to protect the historic site.
FliRui is organized by the Casa de Rui Barbosa Foundation, with support from the Brazilian Publishers League (LIBRE) and Carlos Drummond de Andrade Cultural Foundation.
