The Actor from Teatro Oficina Takes Gregório de Matos to Book and Prisons of the Country
Ricardo Bittencourt's monologue 'Boca a Boca - Um Solo para Gregório' will be published as a book and he will also conduct theatre workshops in prisons as part of a rehabilitation project.
The monologue 'Boca a Boca - Um Solo para Gregório', led by actor Ricardo Bittencourt, is set to be published as a book by Giostri Editora in May. The publication will include the play's script, renowned poems of Gregório de Matos—known for his biting critiques of colonial Brazilian society—and additional writings from both Bittencourt and playwright João Sanches, complemented by 20 photographs from the play's performances. This work aims to celebrate the legacy of Gregório, who is considered Brazil's first poet due to his sharp social commentary.
In conjunction with the book release, Bittencourt is also engaged in a social rehabilitation initiative where he will conduct theater workshops for inmates at the Conjunto Penal de Itabuna in Bahia. This program, which is part of a broader effort to foster creativity and self-expression among incarcerated individuals, was initiated through an invitation from Giostri’s editor, Alex Giostri, who is known for advocating arts-related projects in marginalized communities.
The actor intends to expand this initiative by conducting similar workshops in other prison facilities across Brazil. This integration of theatre into rehabilitative efforts not only serves to provide a creative outlet for the prisoners but also revitalizes interest in Brazilian literature and underscores the enduring relevance of Gregório de Matos' work in contemporary society.