AyôSol Colective

Ayôsol is a Brazilian theater collective based in Berlin, formed by migrants with and without formal artistic training. The group emerged in 2022 through the project “Ein Reisepass für Kunst” (“A Passport for Art”), initiated by Uriara Maciel Hyams and Sérgio Leites Etchichury. The project aimed to invite people from diverse backgrounds—especially Portuguese-speaking communities—to participate in theater workshops and performances. With support from the Berliner Projektfonds Kulturelle Bildung, the initiative focused on inclusion, migration, and artistic collaboration, particularly among young BIPoC and queer migrants.

Workshops were held weekly at Kuringa in Wedding, based on the Theatre of the Oppressed methodology by Augusto Boal, which Uriara had long mastered. Sérgio brought his rich experience as a theater director from Rio Grande do Sul. The project evolved into a creative laboratory exploring the experiences of migration, identity, and resistance. Despite the loss of Sérgio in July 2022, the group remained committed and formally founded the Ayôsol collective. Their debut play, “Ausländerbehörde, eine Cachaça, bitte!” (“Immigration Office, a Cachaça, please!”), tackled the joys and struggles of migration with humor and depth, selling out performances.

Currently, the ensemble—composed of 11 members—continues to meet weekly and build on its artistic mission. They are researching the Brazilian genre Teatro de Revistas, known for its political satire and cabaret-like aesthetics. Multilingual (Portuguese, English, Spanish, German), the group aims to reach international audiences while preserving elements of their Brazilian roots. Subtitled digital performances are part of their future plans.

Despite cultural shocks, bureaucracy, and job market challenges, Ayôsol members find purpose in art, with some supporting families both in Germany and Brazil. The diversity of their backgrounds—including students, professionals, and artists—enriches their collective creations.