No crochet lady or sadness. At the Retiro dos Artistas in Jacarepaguá, in the western zone of Rio de Janeiro, older people have a busy daily life with lots of music, gossip, friendships, romances and even some nonsense. EXTRA spent an afternoon there getting to know some of the 51 artists living there, including actors, musicians, circus performers, producers and lighting technicians, and experienced the joy at home where Marcos Oliveira, the interpreter of Beiçola, of “The big family”.
- Cissa Guimarães visits her exhusband, actor Paulo César Pereio, at Retiro dos Artistas
- Alexandra Marzo blasts her mother Betty Faria, calling her ‘toxic’ and a ‘sociopath’
The 67yearold actor won a place in one of the 51 houses at Retiro but decided against it, saying he was unable to contribute and could only take two of his three dogs with him.
“He didn’t want to contribute anything. At the retreat, no one is forced to contribute,” says Cida Cabral, the shelter’s manager for 23 years. “I have people here who don’t contribute anything. There are others who make an argument, earn minimum wage and contribute R$200, R$100 per month. Just like they have family members who come together and contribute. We survive solely on donations and sales from our thrift store. Our survival depends on the help of some artists and the population. We really need help, be it financial, food, medicine, clothing. “Everything is welcome,” he explains.
1 of 36 Silvio Pozatto was part of the cast of the first version of “Pantanal” Photo: Roberto Moreyra Extra 2 of 36 Rui Rezende starred in “Roque Santeiro” Photo: Roberto Moreyra Extra 3 of 36 Vera Morais and actress André Brevot look after their dog Maju together Photo: Roberto Moreyra Extra 4 of 36 Paulo César Pereio welcomes his children at the Retiro dos Artistas in Rio Instagram 5 of 36 Music afternoon together at the Retiro dos Artistas Photo: Roberto Moreyra Extra 6 of 36 The Artists’ Retreat in Rio — Photo: Roberto Moreyra Extra 7 of 36 One of the 51 houses of the Artists’ Retreat in Rio — Photo: Roberto Moreyra 8 of 36 Silvio Pozatto was part of the cast of the first version of “Pantanal” Photo: Ana Branco Extra 9 out of 36 Paulo César Pereio has been in the Retiro dos Artistas since 2020 Photo: Roberto Moreyra Extra 10 out of 36 Actress Claire Dignonn, 85, in the Retiro dos Artistas Ana Branco Extra 11 out of 36 Actor Jaime Leibovitch in the Retiro dos Artistas in Rio Ana Branco Extra 12 of 36 Silvio Pozatto was part of the cast of the first version of “Pantanal” Photo: Roberto Moreyra Extra 13 of 36 Paulo César Pereio has been in the Retiro dos Artistas since 2020 Photo: Roberto Moreyra Extra 14 of 36 The Retiro dos Artistas Theater in Rio Photo: Roberto Moreyra Extra 15 of 36 Maestro Mauro Continentino, 80 years old, also lives in the Retiro dos Artistas — Photo: Roberto Moreyra Extra 16 of 36 Kari Lage, 68 Years old, has been living in the Retiro dos Artistas for almost five years — Photo: Roberto Moreyra Extra 17 of 36 Silvio Pozatto was part of the cast of the first version of “Pantanal” Photo: Roberto Moreyra Extra 18 of 36 Silvio Pozatto was part of the Cast of the first version of “Pantanal” Photo: Ana Branco Extra 19 of 36 Actor Jaime Leibovitch at Retiro dos Artistas, in Rio Ana Branco Extra 20 of 36 Actress Claire Dignonn, 85, at the Artists’ Retreat Ana Branco Extra 21 of 36 Paulo César Pereio has been at the Artists’ Retreat since 2020 Photo: Roberto Moreyra Extra 22 of 36 Silvio Pozatto was part of the cast of the first version of “Pantanal” — Photo: Roberto Moreyra Extra 23 of 36 Kari Lage, 68 years old, lives in Retiro dos Artistas and takes care of the theater’s lighting — Photo: Roberto Moreyra Extra 24 of 36 Rui Rezende played in “Roque Santeiro” Photo: Roberto Moreyra Extra 25 of 36 Kari Lage, 68, lives in the Retiro dos Artistas and looks after the library Photo: Roberto Moreyra Extra 26 of 36 André Brevot, 73, lived a gay romance in the Retiro dos Artistas Photo: Roberto Moreyra Extra 27 of 36 Thrift shop in the Retiro dos Artistas in Rio Photo: Roberto Moreyra Extra 28 of 36 Retiro dos Artistas in Rio Photo: Roberto Moreyra Extra 29 of 36 Actress Claire Dignonn, 85, in the Retiro dos Artistas Ana Branco Extra 30 of 36 Actress Claire Dignonn, 85, at the Retiro dos Artistas Ana Branco Extra 31 of 36 The pool at the Retiro dos Artistas, in Rio — Photo: Roberto Moreyra Extra 32 of 36 Rubens Serrano is a musician and is 90 years old — Photo: Roberto Moreyra Extra 33 of 36 Silvio Pozatto was part of the cast of the first version of “Pantanal” — Photo : Ana Branco Extra 34 of 36 Actor Jaime Leibovitch at the Retiro dos Artistas in Rio Ana Branco Extra 35 of 36 Rui Rezende starred in “Roque Santeiro” Photo : Roberto Moreyra Extra 36 of 36 Silvio Pozatto was part of the cast of the first version of “Pantanal” Photo: Roberto Moreyra Extra
Home is located in Jacarepaguá, RJ, and is a stronghold of affection and Algeria
2 of 13 Paulo César Pereio receives a visit from his children at the Retiro dos Artistas Photo: Instagram Paulo César Pereio receives a visit from his children at the Retiro dos Artistas Photo: Instagram
The actor Paulo César Pereio, 82, has been living there since 2020. The veteran is the former husband of Cissa Guimarães, with whom he has two children, and is known in his homeland for the same strong temperament that has shaped his career. “He has adapted really well, we found it strange because he still has the Pereio manner. He lives in his own house but goes to the library and the reference center,” says Cida.
During a celebratory snack last Thursday afternoon, Pereio got into a “mini fight” with a lady standing in front of him. “Get out of the way, f@##%!” he shouted in a scene that seems commonplace. Although he initially has a badtempered reputation, Pereio is very happy when he receives visits from his son, the actor and exMalhação João Velho, his exwife Cissa and friends like Maitê Proença. “He’s tough, he swears, but that’s his way,” says one of the 38 employees there.
Pereiro doesn’t like giving interviews, but he agreed to be photographed as long as they weren’t staged. “I’m not an actor, f@##%! I am a film director!, c#$%¨&*…”. he shouted in a scene that provoked more laughter than fear.
3 of 13 Cissa Guimarães’ exhusband, Paulo César Pereio, has been living in the Retiro dos Artistas since 2020 Photo: Roberto Moreyra Extra Cissa Guimarães’ exhusband, Paulo César Pereio, has been living in the Retiro dos Artistas since 2020 Photo : Roberto Moreyra Extra 1 of 11 Cissa Guimarães visits Paulo César Pereio at Retiro dos Artistas Photo: Reproduction/Instagram 2 of 11 Residents of Retiro dos Artistas receive visits from famous personalities Photo: Reproduction/Instagram 3 of 11 Residents of Retiro dos Artistas receive visits from famous personalities Photo: Reproduction/ Instagram 4 of 11 Cissa Guimarães with Retiro employee Photo: Reproduction/ Instagram 5 of 11 Cissa Guimarães visits Pereio at Retiro Photo: Reproduction/ Instagram 6 of 11 Paulo César Pereio and Sonia Braga in the film “Eu te I love” Photo: Archive 7 of 11 Pereio with his son João Velho Photo: Reproduction/ Instagram 8 of 11 Pereio in the Retiro dos Artistas Photo: Reproduction/ Instagram 9 of 11 Pereio in the Retiro dos Artistas Photo: Reproduction/ Instagram 10 of 11 Paulo Cesar Pereio — Photo: Reproduction
The 82yearold actor has been living in the animal shelter since 2020
Another person who has a reputation for having few friends is Rui Rezende, 85 years old. The actor famous for the role of Professor Astromar, who became a werewolf in “Roque Santeiro” has been in the institution since 2019 and does not interact with his colleagues. “It’s more systematic and harder to get into,” says the administrator, who is supported daily by his employee Robson Souza in looking after the residents.
4 of 13 Rui RezRui Reznde, 85, became famous for the role of the werewolf in “Roque Santeiro” Photo: Archives and Roberto Moreyra EXTRA Rui RezRui Reznde, 85, became famous for the role of the werewolf Werewolf in “Roque Santeiro” Photo: Archive and Roberto Moreyra EXTRA
However, there is a lot of friendship at the retreat. In the evenings, some people gather by the pool to talk, drink beer, smoke, play and sing. There are several leisure options such as theater, cinema, beauty salon, massage therapy room and even a chapel. Everything is spread over an area of almost 15,000 square meters.
Silvio Pozatto, 67, came to the retreat a year and a half ago in search of a “safer and more peaceful life.” He was single and childless, previously lived alone in Copacabana and has suffered from Parkinson’s disease for 12 years. Today, in addition to the professional friends he has met in his new home, he has the company of a carer and a cat.
Pozatto, a famous actor and photographer, starred in the first version of “Pantanal” and is often visited by his friends Malu Mader and Patricia Pillar. “I like here. And I want to undergo electronic implantation in the brain to restore my speech and movements and return to acting,” he dreams while complaining about being photographed “without shaving.”
5 of 13 Silvio Pozatto, 67 years old, played in the first version of “Pantanal” — Photo: Archive and Roberto Moreyra Extra Silvio Pozatto, 67 years old, played in the first version of “Pantanal” — Photo: Archive and Roberto Moreyra Extra
Walltowall neighbors, retired theater producer Vera Morais, 80, and theater actor André Brevot, 73, look after their dog Maju, which they found abandoned on the street outside Retiro. “I thank God that this is here. Otherwise I would have died. I just had heart surgery. There is a wonderful health plan here,” praises Brevot, who came to the home seven years ago.
6 of 13 Vera Morais, 80 years old, and theater actor André Brevot, 73, look after their dog Maju together Photo: Roberto Moreyra Extra Vera Morais, 80 years old, and theater actor André Brevot, 73, they look after their dog Maju together Photo: Roberto Moreyra Extra
Brevot is gay and says he had a relationship for three years in the institution with another actor who was a year older than him. “I won’t reveal the name because it’s still in the closet (laughs). He returned to his city and today I live in platonic love,” he says, recounting that at the age of 17 he was rejected by his father because of his homosexuality.
Rubens Serrano, a musician who is married to four women and has six children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren, also lives there. “I came here because I wanted to live an independent life. “I’m 90 years old and if I didn’t die, it’s because I’m well looked after here,” he says.
Serrano typically organizes soirées at the shelter with other musicians such as 80yearold maestro Mauro Continentino, who performs in outside shows on weekends. “It’s lively here, full of friends. I feel very comfortable here,” says the musician.
7 of 13 Rubens Serrano is a musician and 90 years old — Photo: Roberto Moreyra Extra Rubens Serrano is a musician and 90 years old — Photo: Roberto Moreyra Extra
The 68yearold lighting technician Kari Lage, responsible for the library and the lighting in the institution’s theater, came almost five years ago on the recommendation of his friend, the actress Nathalia Timberg, with whom he worked on the play “Paixão, by Bety Milan”.
He says he set up the retreat library with the help of donations from friends like Fernanda Montenegro. Kari has been married three times, has three children, dated a nursing home worker and is now in a relationship with a 29yearold girl he met on the subway.
8 of 13 The 68yearold lighting technician Kari Lage came to Retiro on the recommendation of his friend, the actress Nathalia Timberg, with whom he worked on the play “Paixão by Bety Milan”. — Photo: Roberto Moreyra Extra The lighting lighting technician Kari Lage, 68 years old, came to Retiro on the recommendation of her friend, the actress Nathalia Timberg, with whom she worked in the play “Paixão by Bety Milan”. — Photo: Roberto Moreyra Extra
Since the pandemic, 77yearold actor Jaime Leibovitch, who has had a career in television for more than 40 years and stars in soap operas such as “Fina Padrão” and “Além da Illusion”, has also been living there. Actress Claire Dignonn, 85, another resident, also continues to work in soap operas. She says she usually meets her friends right there at Retiro to “chat and drink beer.”
9 of 13 Jaime Leibovitch, 77 years old, has more than 40 years of career in television and moved to Retiro during the pandemic Photo: Ana Branco O Globo Jaime Leibovitch, 77 years old, has more than 40 years of career in television TV and moved to Retiro during the pandemic Photo: Ana Branco O Globo 10 of 13 Actress Claire Dignonn, 85, likes to drink a beer with her neighbors in Retiro Photo: Ana Branco O Globo Actress Claire Dignonn, 85, likes to hang out with his Neighbors drinking beer in the Retiro Photo: Ana Branco O Globo
In Retiro, each resident has their own privacy, a house with a living room, bedroom, kitchen and bathroom, their own television and internet. They usually travel together in the van to cultural events and tourist excursions, are looked after by nurses and medical staff every day and order pizza via the app.
“Here they have a quality of life. People think that withdrawal is the end of life, but that is not the case. Ninety percent of the older people who arrive here have this lack of companionship and closeness to people close to them. In a week you will already notice the change. The hardship remains and takes the burden off their shoulders, because here they have a home, food, washed and ironed clothes, a doctor, health insurance, technical staff and excursions. And all of this gives them the certainty that they will lead a dignified life in old age,” emphasizes administrator Cida.
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11 of 13 Older people make music on a regular afternoon at the Retiro dos Artistas Photo: O Globo Older people make music on a regular afternoon at the Retiro dos Artistas Photo: O Globo 12 of 13 The swimming pool at the Retiro dos Artistas — Photo: Roberto Moreyra Extra A pool in the Retiro dos Artistas Photo: Roberto Moreyra Extra 13 of 13 The Retiro dos Artistas in Rio Photo: Roberto Moreyra Extra The Retiro dos Artistas in Rio Photo: Roberto Moreyra Extra