Walter Casagrande Júnior, at the age of 62, is set to make his theatrical debut with the monologue 'Na Marca do Pênalti' at the Curitiba Festival, one of Brazil's most esteemed theatrical events. This festival, celebrating its 34th edition, features around 300 attractions including performances in theaters and cultural venues across the capital city and its metropolitan area, running from March 30 to April 12. Casagrande requested to perform without a script, allowing him to narrate significant moments from his life in a free-form manner.

The monologue, presented at the renowned Guaíra Theatre, draws a parallel between the act of taking a penalty kick in soccer and various challenges and victories throughout Casagrande's personal journey. The choice to include a soundtrack featuring iconic Brazilian musicians such as Belchior and Rita Lee enhances the storytelling experience, bringing a cultural depth to the performance. The direction and conceptualization of the show were led by Fernando Philbert, and an open rehearsal took place in December at the Teatro Corinthians, setting the stage for what promises to be a captivating debut.

This event not only marks a significant milestone in Casagrande's career as he transitions from sports to theatre, but also highlights the dynamic nature of the Curitiba Festival, which continues to promote diverse artistic expressions and engage audiences through a wide array of performances. This endeavor underscores the blending of sports and art, demonstrating how personal narratives can resonate within the broader cultural landscape of Brazil.