After the Silence

Although we may consider large-scale slavery as part of a colonial approach, a closed chapter in history, its impact continues to unfold, generating deep social inequalities that still affect bodies and maintain systemic racism. This was observable particularly in Bolsonaro’s Brazil. 

Loosely adapted from the best-selling novel Torto Arado by Itamar Vieira Junior (2019) and the iconic film Cabramarcado para morrer by Eduardo Coutinho (1984), After the Silence follows the struggle of three women for their community, their land, their freedom and their culture. 

Far from offering only disturbing fiction, Christiane Jatahy presents the most beautiful of reverse shots a splendid cinematographic and documentary exploration of the region of Chapada Diamantina, in Bahia, the very place where the action of the novel unfolds. Juxtaposing live action shots and presence on stage – two actresses along with a woman from the Chapada Diamantina community and an actor musician, all of Afro-Brazilian origin – Jatahy offers a device that blurs the boundaries between theatre, cinema and installation. 

Christiane Jatahy was awarded the Golden Lion for Theatre at the 2022 Venice Biennale for her entire body of work.