Contemporary Dramaturgies: Memory, Version, and the Limits of Representing Violence

Critical Regards

Aesthetic-Political Reflections

Contemporary Dramaturgies: Memory, Version, and the Limits of Representing Violence

WITH Maria Isabel Iorio and Sílvia Gomez

MODERATED BY Lucas Moura

SYNOPSIS

Maria Isabel Iorio and Sílvia Gomez discuss contemporary dramaturgies that approach memory not as nostalgia, but as a writing method: what is remembered, what is invented, what is repressed, what becomes a public version. The conversation is structured around decisions of writing, voice, point of view, structure, and stage time.

The panel examines how performance retells stories without pacifying conflict or closing off meaning, especially when the material touches on violence, loss, and inequality. Between character construction, narrative rhythm, and the choice of what remains outside the frame, the discussion confronts a central challenge: how to narrate without capturing, suggest without over-explaining, and enable theater to sustain what language itself cannot repair.

BACKGROUND

Maria Isabel Iorio is a poet, writer, and screenwriter. She has published Tubarão (Diadorim, 2024), Não Pisar Descalça em Tapete (7Letras, 2022), Dia Sim Dia Não Fazer Chantagem (Quelônio, 2021), and Aos Outros Só Atiro o Meu Corpo (Urutau, 2019). As a screenwriter, she worked on the series Tremembé (Prime Video) and the documentary Se Eu Botar o Skate na Cabeça Eu Viro o Chão, the music video Insista em Mim by Ana Frango Elétrico, and as assistant writer on Amar É para os Fortes (Prime Video). Her recent projects include the performance version of Tubarão, with Barulhista and Dadado de Freitas; directing the performance of Mrs. Dalloway, featuring Linn da Quebrada, Dandá Costa, and Juliana Perdigão; and composing and performing Você Vai Perguntar Quem Eu Sou, a track on Mahmundi’s album.

Sílvia Gomez is a playwright, screenwriter, and journalist. She holds a master’s degree in Arts from ECA/USP and is the author of plays such as O Céu Cinco Minutos Antes da Tempestade, Keep Out of Reach of Baby, and Lady Tempestade. Her works have been translated into German, Spanish, French, English, Italian, Mandarin, and Swedish, and staged or read in countries including Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Scotland, Spain, England, Mexico, and Portugal.

Lucas Moura holds a degree in Dramaturgy from SP Escola de Teatro. He taught dramaturgy at Fábricas de Cultura (2019–2022) and at SP Escola de Teatro (2023–2024). He is the author of plays such as Desfazenda, nominated for the Shell Award for Playwriting and winner of the APCA Award for Best Production; Jogo de Imaginar, winner of the APCA Award for Direction; and Magnólia, nominated for the Shell Award for Musical Direction. He currently teaches dramaturgy at Escola Livre de Teatro and wrote the book for the musical Jeca – Um Povo Ainda Há de Vingar.