Project 'Sounds of Freedom': Costume Creator Praises the Work of Incarcerated Women in 'Cobra Norato Opera'
The costumes for the show that opened the XXIV Opera Festival at Theatro da Paz were produced by a cooperative formed by inmates of the women's penitentiary system in Pará
Designer Ronaldo Fraga was at the headquarters of Coostafe (Social Cooperative of Women's Art Work) this Tuesday (28) at the Women's Custody and Reintegration Unit of Ananindeua (UCRF), in the Metropolitan Region of Belém. The visit was marked by emotion and recognition of the work of the incarcerated women who participated in the making of the costumes for the opera "Cobra Norato – Terras do Sem Fim", a show that opened the XXIV Opera Festival at Theatro da Paz.
The initiative is part of the "Sounds of Freedom" project, a partnership between the Penitentiary Administration Secretariat (Seap) and the Culture Secretariat (Secult), which combines social reintegration, professional qualification, and art.
'More than Reintegration: A Healing Process'
This was the first time Ronaldo Fraga worked with a female group in the prison system. Moved by the result, he highlighted the transformative power of art.
"It's not really fashion, but creation. There is potential here. It's not just clothing: it's decoration, it's a gift. It's therapeutic, it's healing. It goes far beyond social reintegration. It's internal liberation," declared the designer. "Everything I do in Belém from now on, I will work with the girls," he added.
Fraga spoke with each of the cooperatives and wanted to know how they felt seeing their creations on the stage of one of Pará's greatest cultural symbols. The emotion was mutual.
Cooperation, Learning, and Visibility
The tutor of Coostafe, Narayana Brotas, explained how the project was developed. "The Theatro invited Coostafe to create pieces for the opera's costumes. The designer and another professional came here, explained the creative process, modeling, and participated in the making. Then, the girls went to the general rehearsal and saw the show with their costumes on stage. It was an exclusive session for Seap."
According to her, the presence of a name like Ronaldo Fraga was a special moment. "When these women come into contact with such experienced professionals, it is inspiring. Their eyes shine. They know that what they learned here can be taken outside."
Voices of Transformation
Cooperatives like Paula Silva Bezerra highlight the positive impact of the experience. "When I arrived at Theatro da Paz, I was enchanted. Seeing our work on stage was very good. And meeting Ronaldo Fraga is a great opportunity. We are still learning, but we do it with love, and it is working out."
For Cleudiane Moura dos Santos, the project is a way to express talent and transform lives. "Even within this situation of deprivation of liberty, we have the opportunity to be free to create. Art transforms and shows society that there are women inside who made mistakes, but today are making new choices."
She believes that initiatives like this help combat prejudice. "By doing work with people like Ronaldo Fraga and with Theatro da Paz, we show society that we are here paying for our mistakes, but also contributing, transforming, and redefining our lives."
Pioneering and Social Impact
Coostafe is the first cooperative formed by incarcerated women in Brazil. In addition to generating income, the project offers learning in crafts, sewing, and basic entrepreneurship concepts. More than production, it is a space for strengthening self-esteem, dignity, and autonomy.
Text: Márcio Sousa / NCS Seap Pará
