Chapter Teatro angolano: Pepetela e i drammi della violenza (post)coloniale

Abstract

This contribution intends to propose a reflection on the theatrical production of the Angolan Artur Carlos Pestana dos Santos, better known as Pepetela, an author who has always combined his literary vocation with his political commitment in the struggle for liberation from Portuguese colonialism (pepetela, meaning 'eyelash' in the Kimbundu language, originated as a militant battle name in the ranks of the MPLA). Pepetela, who has more than 20 novels and short stories to his credit, has only forayed into dramaturgy on two occasions, in the late 1970s, with the publication of A corda (written in 1976 and published in 1978) and A revolta da casa dos ídolos (written in 1979 and published in 1980). Both pièces are set in the socio-political context of the post-independence period and - both directly and allegorically, in dialogue with Brecht's epic theatre, but also with Augusto Boal's Teatro do oprimido - stage old and new conflicts between the dominators and the dominated.