Between Abelardos and Manoéis

dictatorship, exploitation and censorship in “O rei da vela”, by Oswald de Andrade

Abstract

Wrote in 1933, the play "O Rei da Vela", from Oswald de Andrade, wins the stage three decades later, through the Oficina Theater and it works like a background to show elements and common practices in the brazilian society. Through presentation and analysis of elements from the creation of the work, talking to the context of repression and authoritarian speeches that were represented in the play, it is introduced the antidemocratic and nefarious scenario of censorship and exploration that existed in the period of civil - military dictatorship instituted from the coup in 1964, especially, in the cultural and artistic environment. Therefore, intends to understand the context and imaginary of society of the time, permeating moral values that served as an incentive for search for legitimation of atrocities committed by military governments under pretext of maintenance of “sacred” institutions and of preservation of the country in the face of communist threat.