27s
27’s – THEATER-FILM VERSION
Throughout the history of world music, there is a recurring and tragic coincidence—one with no logical explanation—surrounding the deaths of cultural icons, from different eras, at the age of 27. Some kind of inability to control the death drive seems to peak at this age. Written by Daniela Pereira de Carvalho and directed by Vera Holtz, Gustavo Leme, and Guilherme Leme Garcia, “27’s” investigates this legendary coincidence, known worldwide as The 27 Club.
Onstage, actor Gustavo Rodrigues plays a fictional rock star whose life nearly ended at the same age. Over the course of the production—an inventive hybrid between theatre and film—the emotional journey of the character is interwoven with the stories of five of his idols who died at 27: Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain, Janis Joplin, Amy Winehouse, and Jim Morrison. The dramaturgy navigates through the biographies of these young musicians who shaped behaviors and launched cultural trends, offering a social critique strongly connected to contemporary times by touching on themes such as freedom, feminism, consumer culture, racism, sexuality, politics, and mysticism.
The project was selected by the Aldir Blanc Cultural Fund for free online streaming on YouTube. It was also presented at the Midrash Festival of Virtual Theatre and featured in an online screening at the Sesc-RJ Festival.
Credits
Writer: Daniela Pereira de Carvalho
Directors: Vera Holtz, Gustavo Leme, and Guilherme Leme Garcia
Cast:
Gustavo Rodrigues (actor, vocals and guitar)
Tauã de Lorena (guitarist)
Laura Lenzi (vocals and keyboards)
Arthur Martau (drummer)
Sandra Nisseli (bassist)
Musical Direction: Ricco Vianna and Tauã de Lorena
Image Design / Visual Creation: Gabriel Junqueira
Art Production & Costumes: Ana Roque, Patrício Reinaldo, and Pedro Osório
Lighting Design: Adriana Ortiz
Production Directors: Monique Franco and Sergio Saboya
Clippings / Press
Trailer
27´s – THEATER VERSION
The play premiered in November 2023 in Rio de Janeiro, touring cultural arenas and tents through the Programa de Fomento à Cultura Carioca – FOCA 2022. In 2025, it opened in São Paulo at Teatro Garagem and Teatro Estúdio.
Through the story of a fading rock star who recalls his life, glories, and failures, the play revisits the biographies of rock icons who died prematurely at the age of 27 — Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain, and Amy Winehouse — all of whom struggled with alcohol, drugs, and depression.
The deep dive into the universe of the so-called “27 Club” seeks to understand how entire lives were and still are driven — and paralyzed — by fundamental traumas and unhealed wounds.
Set within a “rock’n’roll” aesthetic, the show features some of the most emblematic songs of these idols, along with vocal and instrumental performances by the actor and his guitar.
Credits
Text: Daniela Pereira de Carvalho
Direction: Gustavo Rodrigues
Cast: Augusto Zacchi
Music Direction: Marcello H and Tauã de Lorena
Lighting Design: Ricardo Lyra Jr.
Set Design: Fernando Alexim
Photos: Guarim de Lorena
Production Management: Monique Franco and Sergio Saboya
Press Relations: JSPontes Comunicação – João Pontes and Stella Stephany
Clippings
Video - Show Excerpt
