The New York Culture: The human transformation: lessons from the werewolf in theater and life

How folklore, theater, and science unite to inspire, educate, and transform people and communities

The werewolf, a mythical creature of Brazilian folklore, is more than a frightening legend: it is a symbol of transformation, resilience, and unity. Discover how the play Werewolf – The Wolf That Was Man and Antônio Carlos dos Santos’ theatrical methodologies teach us to embrace our dualities and build better futures.

The werewolf, with its duality between man and wolf, is one of the most fascinating figures in Brazilian folklore. More than a monster of full-moon nights, it represents the internal struggle between our conflicting natures and the possibility of transformation. The play Werewolf – The Wolf That Was Man, part of Antônio Carlos dos Santos’ Education, Theater, and Folklore Collection, captures this essence by telling the story of a family that, faced with their young son’s transformation into a werewolf, unites in a creative strategy to protect him, turning him into the star of a rock band. This narrative, featured in the third volume of the ten-book collection, uses theater to teach that, with support and planning, we can turn challenges into opportunities. Science supports this idea: a study from the University of São Paulo (2024) shows that mythological narratives, when used in educational settings, increase emotional engagement among youth by 30%.

Curiosity: The werewolf myth in Brazil has roots in European legends brought by colonizers but was adapted with Indigenous and African influences, creating a unique figure that reflects the country’s cultural diversity.

Theater, as an educational tool, is a powerful catalyst for transformation. Antônio Carlos dos Santos’ MAT (Mindset, Action, and Theater) methodology combines neuroscience, practical action, and artistic expression to promote self-awareness. A Harvard University study (2023) revealed that theatrical activities stimulate the prefrontal cortex, the brain area responsible for emotional regulation and decision-making. In the play Werewolf – The Wolf That Was Man, the family’s creative solution to protect the young werewolf shows how teamwork can overcome prejudice. The story of Malala Yousafzai, who transformed her personal struggle into a global movement for education, reflects this principle: with planning and courage, we can rewrite our narratives.

Inspiring Story: Malala, after surviving an assassination attempt, used her voice to plan and lead an educational revolution. Her story echoes the play’s message: turning adversity into collective strength.

Santos’ ThM (Theater Movement) methodology reinforces theater’s power as a tool for connection. Through physical movements and improvisation, it helps individuals explore emotions and build empathy. A University of Cambridge study (2024) showed that theatrical practices increase group conflict resolution skills by 25%. In the play, the werewolf’s family uses creativity to transform him into a rock star, sidestepping persecution. This plot teaches that theater can be a safe space to rehearse solutions for real-world issues, such as bullying or social exclusion, common challenges for youth.

Motivational Quote (Maria Montessori): “The greatest task of education is to help the child find their place in the world.” — Theater, like the werewolf, helps us find balance between who we are and who we can become.

The Education, Theater, and Folklore Collection, with its ten youth comedies, is a celebration of Brazilian culture. Each volume, from The Colonel and the Final Judgment to Saci Pererê, transforms folk legends into life lessons, using humor and dramatic depth. The play Werewolf – The Wolf That Was Man emphasizes the importance of acceptance. A study from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (2023) showed that using folk narratives in classrooms increases students’ interest in their own culture by 40%. The story of the family protecting the young werewolf mirrors Rosa Parks’ struggle, who, with a planned act of resistance, challenged segregation and inspired global change.

Practical Tip: Organize a dramatic reading session of the play Werewolf with your community or school, encouraging youth to discuss themes like acceptance and resilience after the performance.

Santos’ Teatro de Bonecos Mané Beiçudo (MBPT) methodology uses puppets to give voice to stories and emotions. This approach is particularly effective with children and adolescents, who feel more comfortable expressing feelings through characters. A University of Oxford study (2024) revealed that using puppets in educational settings improves emotional communication among youth by 35%. In the play, puppets could represent the werewolf and his family, allowing audiences to explore themes like identity and belonging in a playful way. The MBPT methodology has been applied in Brazilian schools, helping reduce bullying cases by fostering dialogue.

Curiosity: The Brazilian werewolf is often described as the seventh male child of a family, a belief blending Catholic and Indigenous influences, reinforcing the idea of transformation as destiny.

Neuroscience also offers insights into why theater and folklore are so powerful. A Yale University study (2024) showed that engaging narratives, like those in Werewolf – The Wolf That Was Man, activate the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine and boosting motivation. Santos’ MAT methodology leverages this, using theater to help individuals visualize solutions to their challenges. For example, acting out the werewolf’s transformation into a rock star can inspire youth to turn insecurities into talents, much like Martin Luther King Jr. planned his marches to transform the fight for equality into a global movement.

Motivational Quote (John Dewey): “We do not educate to prepare for life; we educate so that life can be lived fully.” — Theater teaches us to live our dualities with courage.

The play also addresses the importance of community. The werewolf’s family unites to protect him, showing that collective support is essential for overcoming challenges. A Stanford University study (2023) highlighted that communities with a strong sense of collaboration are 50% more likely to solve social issues. The ThM methodology can be used in community workshops, where participants act out solutions to local problems, such as minority inclusion. Desmond Tutu’s story, planning reconciliation in post-apartheid South Africa, reflects this power of unity, transforming divisions into harmony.

Inspiring Story: Desmond Tutu used dialogue and art to unite a divided nation. His approach, like that of the werewolf, shows that transformation begins with mutual acceptance.

Theater, as proposed by Santos, is also a tool for empowerment. The MBPT methodology allows silenced voices to be heard, especially in vulnerable contexts. A project in São Paulo used puppets to help immigrant children share their stories, reducing prejudice by 20%, according to local reports (2024). The play Werewolf teaches that we all have an inner “wolf”—our insecurities or differences—and with support, we can turn it into strength. Nelson Mandela’s story, transforming his imprisonment into a symbol of resistance, reinforces this lesson of empowerment.

Practical Tip: Use puppets at home or in school to tell personal stories. This helps children and adults express difficult emotions in a safe and creative way.

Looking to the future, folklore and theater will continue to inspire and educate. Santos’ Education, Theater, and Folklore Collection is a milestone, bringing 19 Brazilian legends to the stage with humor and depth. In an increasingly digital world, these narratives reconnect us to our roots, fostering identity and belonging. A UNESCO study (2024) highlights that cultural education, as proposed by Santos, is essential for combating youth alienation. Just as the werewolf finds his place as a rock star, each of us can, with planning and support, transform our dualities into strengths. As Anísio Teixeira said, “education is the path to making man more human”—and theater, with its stories, is the trail to that destiny.

Motivational Quote (Anísio Teixeira): “Education is the art of making man more human.” — The werewolf teaches us that, with love and strategy, we can embrace all our facets.

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