Feb 26 • 14:00 UTC 🇧🇷 Brazil Folha (PT)

Spectacle Judgement of the Symbolic Murder of Poet Wislawa Szymborska

A performance art piece titled 'Projeto Wislawa' explores the symbolic trial of the late Polish poet Wislawa Szymborska, examining the themes of violence and intolerance in contemporary society.

The article from Folha reports on 'Projeto Wislawa', a theatrical piece directed by Cesar Ribeiro that presents a symbolic trial of the renowned Polish poet Wislawa Szymborska, who peacefully passed away in 2012. Despite her physical absence, the performance interrogates the broader societal tendencies towards violence against poetry and critical thought, suggesting that the true 'crime' is against the ideals of artistry and sensitivity that Szymborska embodied. The accused in this symbolic court is not a literal murderer but rather a representation of the systems that cultivate intolerance and disregard for poetic expression.

Through the lens of Szymborska's works, the performance draws connections between the historical traumas faced by Europe in the post-war era and the ongoing wounds in contemporary Brazilian society, particularly reflecting on the recent dismantling of cultural policies under Jair Bolsonaro's administration. The play uses this juxtaposition to provoke discussion about the role of art and literature in resisting oppressive ideologies and affirming human sensitivity. By setting up a courtroom scene, the director effectively transforms the act of performance into a site of social critique and reflection, challenging viewers to consider the implications of losing critical voices in a time marked by rising intolerance.

Overall, 'Projeto Wislawa' serves as a provocative reminder of the enduring relevance of Szymborska's themes in today's world. It invites the audience to reflect on their own complicity in the societal trends that dismiss the value of poetry and critical discourse, highlighting the importance of preserving these elements amid the encroachment of violence and cultural erasure. The ritualistic nature of the trial thus becomes a powerful metaphor for the struggles faced by artists and thinkers today.

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