“Dois perdidos” in two acts: language as mask in Plínio Marcos’ theater - DOI: 10.4025/actascihumansoc.v29i2.727

Abstract

The 1960’s and 70’s represent a period of vast artistic and cultural production in Brazil; however, censorship was the largest dilemma faced by artists, writers and playwrights. In the field of theater, Nelson Rodrigues (1912-1980), Jorge Andrade (1922- 1994), and Plínio Marcos (1933-1999) – each in his own style – were censored for their productions. This paper presents a study of the play Dois perdidos numa noite suja (“Two Lost Souls On A Dirty Night”) (1966), by Plínio Marcos, which deals with the conflicts of minority and marginalized social groups. The countercultural aspect of language and its use as a mask is postulated in this article, reflecting on how its use within Plínio Marcos’ dramatic text becomes a tool for the execration of dilemmas and social-historical-cultural conflicts in Brazil (1960-1970). The process of revealing raw language is sustained in the continuous use of slang and swear words, aiming to affect the other or society itself. The analysis of the play is based on and is evidenced from the dramatic text, and not on its staging style or dramatic nature.