THE PORTUGUESE FOLK PUPPET HERO DON ROBERTO: THE PHOENIX RISING FROM THE ASHES OF THE DICTATORSHIP

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to analyse the peculiarities of the existence of the national hero of the Portuguese puppet theatre, Don Roberto, in the context of censorship by the dictatorship of the Estado Novo (New State 1933-1974) and to evaluate the consequences of these processes for contemporary Portuguese puppeteers.
Novelty. The article is the first in Ukrainian theatre studies to address the topic of scientific understanding of the Portuguese folk puppet theatre. The works of contemporary theorists and practitioners of this topic are introduced into scientific circulation: Branko P., Correia A., Oliveira J., Zurbach C.
Results. The research proves that despite all the obstacles and challenges, artificially fabricated by the dictatorial regime of the Estado Novo, to the natural development and improvement of the Portuguese folk puppet theatre, led by its protagonist Don Roberto, puppeteers have achieved remarkable results not only in preserving but also in promoting
the traditions of their art. In 2021, this character was registered on the UNESCO National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage by puppeteers. Puppeteers continue to search for traces of texts and plots lost due to censorship restrictions, as well as the character features of regional puppetry throughout Portugal, expanding their repertoire, diversifying the palette of characters, and filling in the gaps left by the Salazar era.
The practical significance. For Ukrainian puppeteers, such an example can serve as a positive trigger and a guide to action to preserve the heritage of nativity theatre (Christmas shows), which was deprived of its rightful place in the contemporary theatrical process as a result of the destructive ideological policy of the soviets. The successful case of the Portuguese puppeteers, who not only preserved but also increased the popularity of their exclusively national theatre, should be a source of inspiration for Ukrainian puppetry masters.