by Thinus Ferreira
SABC2 has added a new Brazilian telenovela to its schedule with Side by Side (Lado A Lado) that is now shown on Mondays and Tuesdays at 13:30 since June with a repeat on Saturday nights from 22:30.
The Portuguese Side By Side dubbed into English was produced in 2012 with 105 episodes and was shown previously in South Africa and across sub-Saharan Africa on the M-Net Series channel on DStv in 2015.
Side by Side that was voted Best Telenovela at the International Emmy Awards in 2013 tells the story of two women, Isabel (Camila Pitanga) and Laura (Marjorie Estiano), from different origins and social classes who "share the same ferocious will, to conquer their freedom in the conservative society in early 20th century’s society".
The idealistic and brave Isabel is the maid of a French lady who taught her "European language and manners" and who was raised by her father, the former slave Afonso (Milton Gonçalves).
In a samba gathering, she meets Zé Maria (Lazaro Ramos), a hard-working man who hides a secret: he is a capoeira player, an illegal martial art he hopes to see recognized.
Laura (Marjorie Estiano) is the daughter of former coffee barons Assunção (Werner Schünemann)
and Constância (Patrícia Pillar), but luxury and wealth does not impress her. Having her degree in education, she finds fulfilment in teaching.
Her mother is resistant to her revolutionary ways and puts all hope in Laura’s engagement to Edgar (Thiago Fragoso) as a means to ascend socially.
"With detailed scenography of old Rio, influenced by the Belle Époque, Side By Side puts different worlds side by side: luxury and simplicity; progress and prejudice."
Side by Side is distributed by Côte Ouest.
SABC2 says that "this is a theme that resonates perfectly among people between 20 and
40 not only in 21st century's South Africa but in many other countries on our
continent."
"SABC2 values the partnership it has with Côte Ouest and is excited to be bringing this multi-award-winning telenovela to South African audiences," says Jacqui Hlongwane, SABC2 programme manager.
"Even though the story is set at the beginning of the 20th century, the themes explored in Side by Side are universal and still ring true to this day; themes such as sexism, the emancipation of women, prejudice, friendship, love, social and cultural divisions."
"The introduction of Lado a Lado will breathe new life into daytime viewing and the show will leave audiences enthralled and inspired."
