São Paulo city hall demolished the Container Theater, occupied by Companhia Mugunzá since 2016, over the March 21-22 weekend. The group denounces the action without prior notice or permit, while the administration claims it followed a court ruling after failed negotiations.
The Container Theater, on rua dos Gusmões in downtown São Paulo, was dismantled by city hall and state government teams. Demolition started on Saturday (21) by removing the roof and finished on Sunday (22), with materials moved to a municipal lot on avenida do Estado. The space had been sealed on January 15, blocking team access to equipment, as shown in a video by actor Marcos Felipe who expressed surprise. The cultural group, on social media, accused Mayor Ricardo Nunes' administration of disregarding civil society's outcry and destroying one of the country's most important theaters. They claim the demolition lacked prior notice, permit, or technical identification, amid an ongoing legal dispute. City hall stated the operation had no issues and found irregularities like illegal energy and water connections, verified by Enel and Sabesp in a report at the 3rd Police District. The 5th Civil Court reportedly confirmed the end of the group's occupancy term. Nunes' team noted a year of talks, R$2.5 million transferred, and four alternative sites offered, including rua Helvétia in Santa Cecília, accepted by the group three months ago without follow-up. The group's defense denies liability for irregularities and trusts the judiciary. The site will host housing and leisure facilities.
