Enchanting generations: the power of folklore and theater in education

             How legends and dramatizations shape minds, spark creativity, and strengthen cultural identity in children and youth

Imagine a child laughing while acting out the mischief of Saci Pererê or reflecting on the courage of Iara. Folklore and theater, together, not only entertain but transform education, connecting young people to their roots and awakening their imagination. In this article, we explore how these age-old tools can inspire, educate, and shape a more creative and conscious generation.

Brazilian folklore is a treasure trove of stories that span generations, carrying lessons of courage, wisdom, and cultural identity. From Saci Pererê, with his pranks, to Iara, who enchants with her beauty and mystery, these legends are more than popular tales: they are bridges to the past and tools for education. When combined with theater, they come to life, transforming the classroom into a stage for learning. The “Education, Theater, and Folklore Collection” by Antônio Carlos dos Santos, with its ten books, brings 19 Brazilian legends to life in youth theater plays, such as “Saci Pererê” and “The Headless Mule.” These works show that folklore and theater are not just entertainment but pathways to developing creativity, empathy, and a sense of belonging in children and youth.

Motivational quote: “Education should be a process of discovery, where the child explores the world with joy and curiosity.” – Maria Montessori

Theater, as a pedagogical tool, has deep historical roots. In Ancient Greece, Sophocles’ tragedies were used to teach ethical values. Today, studies from Harvard University show that theatrical activities stimulate the prefrontal cortex, the brain area linked to creativity and problem-solving. The MAT (Mindset, Action, and Theater) methodology, created by Antônio Carlos dos Santos, combines reflection, practice, and dramatization to engage young people. In a school in Pernambuco, for example, teachers used the play “The Little Black Shepherd” from Santos’s collection to teach about empathy. The children performed the story, discussing the value of solidarity, which strengthened community bonds and understanding of social issues.

Curiosity box: brazilian folklore
Brazilian folklore is a mosaic of Indigenous, African, and European influences. Characters like Caipora, protector of the forests, reflect values of respect for nature, while Saci Pererê symbolizes creative rebellion. These stories, passed down orally through generations, are recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage.

The ThM (Theater Movement) methodology by Santos takes theater beyond words, using bodily movement to express emotions. In a project in São Paulo, students performed “Cobra Honorato” using gestures to mimic the snake’s sinuous movements, which helped develop motor coordination and emotional expression. Studies from Yale University indicate that activities combining movement and narrative, like ThM, improve memory and self-esteem in children. In this context, theater becomes a safe space to explore feelings and ideas, dynamically connecting young people to their cultural roots.

Practical tip: Organize a folklore storytelling session at your school or community. Choose a legend, like “Iara, the Mother of Waters,” and ask children to draw the characters or act out a short scene. This stimulates creativity and strengthens ties to local culture.

The Mané Beiçudo Puppet Theater (MBPT), another creation by Santos, is particularly effective for young children. Puppets bring lightness and magic to stories, making complex concepts accessible. In a school in Rio Grande do Sul, the play “Romãozinho, the Will-o’-the-Wisp” was performed with puppets, teaching children about overcoming fears. Neuroscience research from the University of Cambridge suggests that visual narratives, like those provided by puppets, activate brain areas linked to imagination and empathy, facilitating learning. Santos’s collection uses this approach to turn legends into life lessons, making folklore a powerful educational tool.

Inspiring story: Malala Yousafzai and transformative education
Malala, who faced the Taliban to defend the right to education, used stories and cultural performances to engage her community in Pakistan. Like her, Brazilian folklore and theater can inspire young people to value their culture and fight for their dreams, connecting them to the transformative power of education.

Folklore also strengthens cultural identity. The play “Caipora” from Santos’s collection teaches about environmental protection, an urgent topic. In a school in Amazonas, students who performed this story created a recycling project inspired by the character. Studies from Stanford University show that children exposed to cultural narratives develop a greater sense of identity and social responsibility. Theater, by bringing these stories to life, helps young people connect with their roots, fostering cultural pride and civic engagement.

Curiosity box: theater in education
Theater has been used in education since the 19th century, with methods like Maria Montessori’s, which encouraged dramatizations to teach empathy. Today, programs in Finnish schools use theater to improve socio-emotional skills, with proven results in reducing bullying and boosting self-esteem.

The “Education, Theater, and Folklore Collection” by Santos is a milestone in integrating these disciplines. Each of the ten books—from “The Colonel and the Final Judgment” to “Saci Pererê”—presents Brazilian legends in a comedic format, making them accessible and fun. The play “The Headless Mule,” for example, explores themes of acceptance and transformation, while “The Night of Terror” sparks discussions about courage. These stories, combined with Santos’s methodologies, create a learning environment where children laugh, reflect, and grow. Modern neuroscience, in studies from the University of Oxford, suggests that humor, present in Santos’s comedies, facilitates information retention and reduces stress in learning.

Motivational quote: “Learning is deeper when experienced with emotion and meaning.” – Carl Rogers

Integrating folklore and theater into education is not just about fun but about holistic development. Brazilian legends teach universal values like respect, courage, and solidarity, while theater brings these lessons to life. In a school in Ceará, performing “Saci Pererê” inspired students to create a folklore reading club, expanding their interest in literature. Studies from the University of Chicago show that children involved in cultural activities perform better academically and gain confidence. Santos’s methodologies, like MBPT, make these experiences accessible, allowing teachers and parents to use theater as a teaching tool.

Practical tip: Create a “Folklore Day” at your school or neighborhood. Organize theatrical performances of legends like “Lobisomem” or “Caipora” and invite the community to participate. Use simple materials, like cardboard and fabric, to create sets and puppets, encouraging creativity.

Education through folklore and theater also promotes emotional resilience. Stories of overcoming, like that of the Little Black Shepherd, teach children that it’s possible to face adversity. In a project in Paraná, students who performed this legend discussed how to help struggling peers, applying the story’s values in real life. Studies from Harvard University indicate that emotional narratives strengthen emotional regulation, essential for youth development. Santos’s collection, with its playful approach, turns these lessons into memorable experiences, showing that folklore is a bridge to forming conscious citizens.

Inspiring story: Nelson Mandela and stories that unite
Mandela used traditional African tales to inspire hope in his community. Like him, Brazilian folklore, brought to life through theater, can unite generations, teaching children the value of their roots and the power of their voices.

The legacy of folklore and theater in education is to transform learning into an adventure. The “Education, Theater, and Folklore Collection” by Antônio Carlos dos Santos is an invitation for teachers, parents, and communities to embrace these tools. Whether acting out Saci’s mischief or Caipora’s protection, these stories connect young people to their past and inspire them to build a better future. As Martin Luther King Jr. said, “We must use time creatively, knowing that the right time to do good is now.” Why not start today, bringing folklore and theater into the education of our children?

Practical tip: Bring folklore home! Tell a Brazilian legend to your children before bedtime and ask them to create a different ending for the story. This stimulates imagination and strengthens family bonds.

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