By Curated by Inhotim’s artistic direction and curatorial team, the exhibition “The World is Man’s Theater” delves into the rich legacy of playwright and activist Abdias Nascimento. Building upon research initiated by the museum in 2021, the exhibition serves as a platform to explore the intersections between theatrical practice, artistic training, and social activism.
Unveiling Unpublished Works
At the heart of “The World…” are two previously unseen videos, one created by Jonathas de Andrade and the other by Barbara Wagner and Benjamin de Burca. These videos serve as focal points, exploring themes deeply intertwined with the legacy of Abdias Nascimento and his influence on theatrical movements, particularly the Negro’s Experimental Theater (TEN) and the Theater of the Oppressed, pioneered by playwright Augusto Boal.
Expo-Graphic Representation
The exhibition’s graphic design draws inspiration from theater architecture, employing curtains and screens to delineate thematic spaces. Curtains, crafted from opaque tarpaulin, enclose dark video projection rooms, while translucent screens, reminiscent of construction site screens, define illuminated areas dedicated to Abdias and Boal’s archives. The use of scenic poles further reinforces the theatrical ambiance, echoing the architecture of a traditional stage.
Curatorial Nuclei
Key documents and artifacts related to the playwrights are presented on vertical and horizontal supports, with main photographs showcased on self-supporting vertical panels. The exhibition is divided into two main curatorial nuclei: “Augusto Boal, TEN and the Theater of the Oppressed” and “Theatre as an Instrument for the Worker’s Self-Awareness.” These environments are meticulously arranged to facilitate fluid engagement with the exhibition’s content, supplemented by a long table offering access to relevant literature.
Immersive Journey
Visitors embark on an immersive journey through the exhibition, guided by the rhythmic interplay of curtains and screens. The wavy curtain in the first projection room sets the stage for “Fala da Terra,” while façade screens lead to the culmination of the experience. The gradual unveiling of the second projection room, marked by a plain curtain, culminates in the projection of “Olho da Rua” by Jonathas de Andrade, offering a poignant conclusion to the exploration of theatrical legacy.
“The World is Man’s Theater” encapsulates the transformative power of theater as a vehicle for social change, inviting visitors to engage with the rich tapestry of history, activism, and artistic expression woven into its fabric.
