In 1807, in an action unprecedented in history, D. João – heir to the Portuguese crown – decides to flee to Brazil with his entire court so as not to fall into the hands of Napoleon’s troops. Arrebita – a young servant – clandestinely embarks on this transatlantic adventure towards the tropics and becomes involved in the historical events that transform Rio de Janeiro into the capital of the Portuguese Empire and culminate with the process of Brazil’s independence and the subsequent return of D. Pedro to Portugal. Portugal. Narrated by Gonçalves Ledo – liberal politician and strong opponent of absolutist ideas – Brasil Imperial presents the negotiations, plots and political conspiracies that marked the period of stay of D. João in the Americas and the first empire of D. Pedro. Issues such as slavery, the Emperor’s authoritarian attitudes and his extramarital affairs, the death of Princess Leopoldina, popular revolts in search of greater freedom and the establishment of an economic and political elite guided by privileges, in addition to the corruption and vested interests that guided life in Brazil during this period, are the backdrop for the intricate romance of Arrebita and Ana do Congo. In addition to serving to propose a current discussion on the legacies that are still perpetuated today in the administration of the Brazilian State and in the organization of its society.
