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How the English Bard's theatre can illuminate paths
for leaders, public managers, corporate leaders and educators
What can 17th
century theatre teach the public service and companies of the 21st century?
Much more than one might imagine. In “Measure for Measure”, Shakespeare paints
a surprisingly current portrait of ethics, justice and power. Inspired by the
work and studies of Antônio Carlos dos Santos, this article shows how to apply
Shakespearean lessons to strategic planning, leadership and education.
There is more wisdom in Shakespeare than one might imagine. And perhaps
no play proves it as much as “Measure for Measure”. Written around 1603, this
dark comedy spans the centuries with astonishing relevance. In a plot that
mixes harsh judgments, corruption, false morality and power games, the Bard
invites us to reflect on the role of the State, the limits of the law and the
responsibility of leaders. It is no wonder that Antônio Carlos dos Santos,
researcher and creator of strategic planning methodologies, dedicated an entire
book to exploring these connections: “Shakespeare: Measure for Measure: essays
on corruption, public administration and the distribution of justice”.
In the play, the Duke of Vienna temporarily steps away from government,
delegating his power to the severe Angelo. The new ruler applies forgotten laws
with relentless rigor, resulting in Claudius being arrested for impregnating
his fiancée. Isabella, Claudius' sister and novice, begs for clemency. Angelo
then proposes to free Claudius in exchange for Isabella's virginity. This moral
and political dilemma becomes the central point of the plot, revealing the rot
that sets in when power is used for personal gain.
For the author Antônio Carlos dos Santos, this drama exposes dilemmas
that we still face today: the separation between discourse and ethical
practice, the fragility of justice and the need for social control of public
actions. In his analysis, Santos highlights how the play offers a lesson in
administrative decentralization, the limits of delegation of powers, and
accountability. Angelo's criticism of authoritarianism is, in fact, a criticism
of the idea that power does not need to be accountable. It is also a call to
build a new leadership paradigm - one that is more conscious, ethical, and
responsible. And this is where strategic planning comes in as a tool for
transformation. As a manager, the leader needs to learn to listen, reflect,
and, above all, anticipate consequences.
PRACTICAL TIP
The Quasar K+
methodology, created by Santos, proposes an integrative approach to strategic
planning, combining neuroscience, theater, and organizational culture. A
practical example: when applying Quasar K+ in a public school, a management
team used the play "Measure for Measure" as a dramatic basis to
discuss the limits of teaching authority, the role of school justice, and ethics
in decision-making. Through workshops inspired by the MAT (Mindset, Action and
Theater) methodology, teachers and students acted out moral dilemmas and
together created a coexistence plan based on restorative justice.
INSPIRING STORY
In a city hall in the
interior of Brazil, after a scandal involving embezzlement of funds, the new
manager decided to apply the Quasar K+ model to restructure the health and
education sectors. The starting point was the study of the play "Measure
for Measure" in intersectoral work groups. The impact was surprising: the
theatrical reflection allowed employees to discuss, based on fiction, thorny
issues such as abuse of power, bureaucracy and impunity. The strategic plan
developed began to include transparency goals and internal audit mechanisms
with social participation - something that, in fact, changed the culture of
local management.
MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE
“Those
who wish to lead must, before giving orders, learn to listen. And listening
requires humility - the first virtue of a true leader”. - Antônio Carlos dos
Santos
In the academic field, studies from Harvard University and the London
School of Economics have reinforced the importance of dramatization as a tool
for developing cognitive and ethical skills in leaders. The play "Measure
for Measure", due to its philosophical density and structure of tension
between ethics and power, is frequently used in training programs for public
managers coordinated by Antônio Carlos. Dramatization allows us to better
understand the subjectivity of the law and the pitfalls of poorly exercised
authority.
The ThM (Theater Movement) and TBMB (Mané Beiçudo Puppet Theater)
methodologies complement this path, making complex concepts accessible through
sensory, visual and interactive experiences. The use of the Mané Beiçudo
puppet, for example, in dramaturgical simulations, creates a playful distance
that facilitates the debate on corruption, authoritarianism and the
distribution of justice, central themes of "Measure for Measure".
FUN FACT
Did you know that "Measure
for Measure" was written during the same period as "Hamlet" and
"Othello"? This explains the dark, almost tragic tone of the play -
despite being formally a comedy. This ambiguity is what makes it ideal for
reflections on power and planning.
For professionals
who want to communicate better, Santos' books - "Strategic Communication:
the art of speaking well", "Breathing, voice and diction", and
"Moving letters: the art of writing well" - offer practical tools
that, integrated with the MAT and Quasar K+ methodologies, expand the capacity
for expression and leadership. Communication, after all, is the bridge between
planning and action.
In the end,
"Measure for Measure" is more than a play. It is an ethical
laboratory, a mirror of public service and a proposal for citizenship
education. When used as inspiration for strategic planning, it proves to be a
powerful ally in the construction of a more just, transparent and humane State.
As the Duke, disguised as a friar, would say: “Sooner or later, the truth will come out.” And when it does, may it find prepared leaders - with an open mind, an ethical heart and a good plan in hand.
Access the books by Antônio Carlos dos Santos on amazon.com or amazon.com.br
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