Construções teatrais em Duque de Caxias: das ausências às potências

Abstract

This research explores the theatrical scene in Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro. The initial focus of this study is to establish a historical overview of theatrical practices in the municipality from the 1950s to the present day, aiming to highlight the contributions of Black and peripheral collectives to the local scene. Consequently, issues related to structural racism, a repugnant and sad constituent phenomenon of Brazilian culture, are brought to the forefront, as they also affect the theatrical domain. Our methodology is structured around conducting interviews as a political strategy, aiming to amplify the collective voices that shape the scene as an integral part of our investigation. This methodological choice serves as a counterpoint to reflections solely based on thinkers distant from the reality of Duque de Caxias, given the lack of a more detailed and critical historiography of the theater produced in the city. Moreover, prioritizing the local builders of this history invokes the collective voices that have fought for theatrical spaces in the city since the 1950s and still contribute to the cultural landscape. In this context of potentialities fueled by the desire for theatrical realization, an emerging theatrical panorama of over 70 years of history is evident, despite the lack of cultural management and public policies. The political factor emerges as a central theme in our reflections, as it permeates local theatrical practices. Our final considerations highlight the strengths, focused on a pedagogical theatrical practice aimed not only at actor training but also at audience development, and the absences, as theater artists require support and space for artistic practices, as well as support from institutions of other natures, elements that pose obstacles to the realization of peripheral scenes