Caetano Vilela, a distinguished lighting designer, was awarded a special recognition by the São Paulo Association of Art Critics (APCA) for his remarkable 40-year career in the performing arts. With a portfolio featuring around 150 operas over the last 29 years, Vilela has not only illuminated but has also directed significant productions, including the upcoming 'Falstaff' by Giuseppe Verdi in 2025. This accolade highlights his influence and dedication to enriching Brazilian theatre with his artistic vision.

Throughout his extensive career, Vilela has excelled in his role as a lighting designer at various festivals, showcasing his ability to illuminate multiple operas within tight time frames. Over the years, he spent 11 years at the Manaus Festival, along with six each at festivals in Belém and Colombia, demonstrating his commitment to the craft across different cultural landscapes. His hard work and artistry have not only gained him recognition but have also set a benchmark for lighting design in opera and theatre.

This year, Vilela is gearing up to direct Verdi's 'Don Carlo' at the Theatro Municipal, marking the first production of this opera in São Paulo in two decades. The challenging production spans four and a half hours and will integrate the entire artistic body of the theatre, including the orchestra, chorus, and ballet. Vilela's approach to direction emphasizes the importance of light in storytelling: "I envision the direction starting from the light; it is part of the creation process,' he expresses, underscoring his significant role in shaping the visual narrative of the performances he works on.