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How Stories, Especially Dramaturgy, Help Us
Face Dilemmas and Find Freedom
What if a story could unlock the doors of your mind, challenge your
beliefs, and inspire a fuller life? Literature, with its ability to reflect the
human soul, is a force for liberation. Let’s explore how it, particularly
through dramaturgy, transforms lives.
Literature has always been
more than entertainment; it is a mirror of human existence, a tool that allows
us to confront dilemmas, question the world, and find inner freedom. Whether
through a novel, a poem, or a play, words have the power to break emotional and
social barriers, freeing us from prejudices, fears, and limitations. Studies
from the University of Oxford (2024) show that reading complex narratives, such
as those found in dramaturgy, activates brain areas linked to empathy and
problem-solving, helping readers process internal and external conflicts.
Dramaturgy, in particular, with its ability to stage life’s dramas, offers a
safe space to explore issues like power, freedom, and identity, connecting us
to what is most human.
The play Elephant Love,
written by Antônio Carlos dos Santos, is a brilliant example of this liberating
potential. In it, two characters pursue their dreams in a context of political
and social barriers, facing the “state’s co-optation” and the messianism that
stifle freedom. The plot, described in a 2023 review, culminates in a
surprising ending that captivates the audience, prompting reflection on
democracy and emancipation. The play’s strength lies in its ability to
transform complex issues into an accessible narrative, allowing spectators to
identify with the characters’ struggles. This impact is supported by research
from Harvard University (2024), which indicates that socially themed plays
increase civic awareness in 35% of spectators, encouraging actions for justice
and freedom.
Curiosity Box: The
Origin of Dramaturgy
Did you know that dramaturgy began in Ancient Greece around the 5th century BCE
with plays like those of Sophocles? Oedipus Rex, for instance,
explored ethical dilemmas and human fate, themes that continue to inspire
modern plays like Elephant Love.
Literature, especially
dramaturgy, liberates because it invites us to see the world through others’
eyes. When watching a play or reading a script, we step into the shoes of
characters facing universal dilemmas, such as the conflict between duty and
desire or the fight against oppression. The MAT (Mindset, Action, and Theater)
methodology, developed by Antônio Carlos dos Santos, amplifies this effect by
combining reflection, practice, and performance. MAT, described in 2022
academic publications, suggests that changing the “mindset” – such as letting
go of limiting beliefs – is the first step toward transformation. “Action”
involves applying literature’s lessons to real life, while “theater” uses
dramatization to internalize those lessons. In MAT-based workshops,
participants perform scenes inspired by plays like Elephant Love,
exploring how to overcome social barriers, which strengthens their emotional
resilience.
Inspiring Story:
Nelson Mandela and poetry
During his 27 years in prison, Nelson Mandela found solace and strength in
poetry, such as William Ernest Henley’s Invictus. The words “I am the
master of my fate” helped him maintain hope and fight for freedom. For Mandela,
literature was an ally in resistance and liberation.
The Mané Beiçudo Puppet
Theater (MBPT), another of Santos’ methodologies, brings liberating literature
to diverse audiences in a playful and accessible way. In MBPT, puppets made
from recycled materials perform stories addressing issues like inequality and
emancipation. An example is a performance based on Elephant Love,
where puppets represent characters fighting against society’s “invisible
walls.” A 2023 University of São Paulo study showed that children exposed to MBPT
develop greater empathy and social awareness, while adults report feeling more
motivated to tackle personal challenges. The puppet theater, described in the
Teatro Mané Beiçudo blog (2020), proves that literature can be a transformative
tool even in informal settings.
Practical Tip: active
reading
Choose a play or book that addresses a personal dilemma, such as Elephant
Love. After reading, write a letter to one of the characters, expressing
how you connect with their journey. This helps internalize the lessons and
apply them to your life.
The ThM (Theater Movement)
methodology, also created by Santos, uses bodily movement to bring stories to
life and promote emotional freedom. In ThM exercises, participants “dance” the
conflicts of characters, such as the struggle for freedom in Elephant Love,
using gestures to express resistance or overcoming. This approach, tested in
2024 projects at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, boosts participants’
self-confidence by connecting body and mind in resolving dilemmas. For the
general public, ThM shows that literature doesn’t need to be just read: it can
be lived, felt, and embodied, becoming a practical and emotional force for
liberation.
Motivational Quote
“The words of literature are keys that unlock the prisons of the mind and
heart.” – Antônio Carlos dos Santos
Literature also liberates
by connecting us to the collective. When reading or watching a story, we
realize our dilemmas are not isolated; they echo others’ struggles. Plays like Elephant
Love address themes like political manipulation and the pursuit of
democracy, encouraging audiences to reflect on their role in society. A 2024
University of Cambridge project revealed that communities participating in
collective readings or theatrical performances show greater civic engagement,
with 20% more volunteers in social initiatives. Literature, therefore, not only
frees the individual but also strengthens community bonds, inspiring actions
that promote justice and equality.
Ultimately, the literature
that liberates reminds us that we are the protagonists of our own stories.
Every book read, every play watched, is an opportunity to rewrite our
narrative, facing life’s dilemmas with courage and creativity. As Elephant Love
teaches us, obstacles may be great, but the pursuit of freedom is always
worthwhile. Pick up a book today, watch a play, or join a theater workshop. Let
words guide you, as they guided Mandela, as they guide Santos’ characters,
toward a freer and more authentic life.
Curiosity Box:
Literature and Cinema
Films like Dead Poets Society (1989) showcase the liberating power of
literature. In the movie, a teacher uses poetry to inspire students to
challenge conventions, proving that words can change destinies.
Access the books by Antônio Carlos dos Santos on amazon.com or amazon.com.br
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