Dudu Azevedo Debuts as Jesus in Epic Passion Play

The long-awaited reveal has arrived. On the morning of Tuesday, January 13, 2026, the Sociedade Teatral de Fazenda Nova (STFN) officially unveiled the first photographic evidence of Dudu Azevedo in character as Jesus. This visual confirmation sets the stage for the upcoming season of one of Brazil's most significant cultural events, the Paixão de Cristo de Nova Jerusalém.

For the actor, this role represents a significant milestone. While Azevedo has an extensive resume featuring roles in major telenovelas on networks like Globo and TV Record, stepping into the sandals of the Messiah at the famed theater city is a distinct honor. The release of these images signals the official commencement of production for the 2026 spectacle.

The filming and rehearsals are currently taking place at the Nova Jerusalém theater complex. Located in the municipality of Brejo da Madre de Deus, this unique location sits approximately 180 kilometers from the capital of Pernambuco, Recife. It is here that the massive open-air production comes to life.

The scale of the event is immense, designed to immerse the audience completely in the narrative. The production utilizes:

• Nine monumental stages
• Open-air viewing for all attendees
• Live enactment of the death and resurrection
• Actors portraying all major biblical figures

This specific production is scheduled to run from March 28 to April 4, 2026. Tickets are already available for purchase through the event's official website, anticipating the annual influx of spectators from across Brazil and the globe.

Despite having portrayed the character before, Azevedo emphasizes that this experience feels fundamentally different. He views his participation not merely as a job, but as a spiritual and professional alignment. The actor previously played Jesus in the television series Jesus, which aired on TV Record from 2018 to 2019.

"I feel that I have a calling for this story, I don't see it as something random. There is a strong connection and a responsibility that I took on when I did it the first time and that is renewed now."

Azevedo approaches the role with a deep sense of gravity. He defines his participation in the Paixão de Cristo de Nova Jerusalém as an illumination and a personal gift. Regarding the artistic challenge, he notes that there is no ready-made formula for the performance. Instead, his goal is to construct an interpretation that aligns with the director's vision and the grandeur of the theater city itself.

"The commitment is to deliver the best possible work, with responsibility and understanding of the seriousness of this story, which impacts and transforms the lives of people."

While Dudu Azevedo takes the central role, he is joined by a talented ensemble of veteran Brazilian actors. The production has assembled a cast designed to bring the biblical narrative to life with depth and professionalism. The 2026 season features a mix of theater and television veterans.

The principal cast includes:

• Dudu Azevedo as Jesus
• Beth Goulart portraying Mary
• Marcelo Serrado taking the role of Pilate
• Carlo Porto cast as Herod

Azevedo's background in television is extensive. In 2025, he appeared in the Globo network telenovela Êta Mundo Melhor, playing the character Clóvis. His transition from the small screen to the monumental stages of Nova Jerusalém highlights the production's ability to attract high-caliber talent.

The Paixão de Cristo is more than just a play; it is a cultural institution. Since its official inauguration in 1968, the Nova Jerusalém theater has served as a pilgrimage site for theatergoers and the faithful alike. During Holy Week, the venue transforms, drawing crowds that number in the thousands.

The event is renowned for its ability to recreate the Passion with historical and emotional accuracy. By utilizing a sprawling set of nine distinct stages, the audience is not merely watching a performance but walking through the locations of the story. The 2026 season continues this decades-long tradition, blending faith, art, and massive logistical coordination to create a spectacle that resonates deeply with its audience.

The release of these images confirms that the Paixão de Cristo 2026 is well underway. With Dudu Azevedo embracing the role of Jesus with a sense of calling and responsibility, expectations are high for a moving and technically impressive production. The combination of a dedicated cast and the historic backdrop of Nova Jerusalém promises a season that honors the legacy of the spectacle.

As the dates of March 28 to April 4 approach, the focus will shift to the final preparations at the theater city in Brejo da Madre de Deus. For the thousands of spectators expected to attend, the 2026 production offers a unique opportunity to witness a retelling of the Passion story that blends theatrical tradition with a renewed spiritual energy.