Half-Caste Actresses in Colonial Brazilian Opera Houses

Abstract

Operatic and theatrical activity in the Portuguese kingdom, especially during the second half of the 18 th century, presents singular characteristics in comparison to other European countries, the presence of women on public stages being a notable example. In Portuguese America, construction of permanent opera houses effectively began from the 1760s onwards, 1 and they performed a repertoire very similar to that performed in public theatres in Portugal-composed of adaptations/translations to Portuguese of foreign dramas and comedies, where musical numbers were interspersed with declaimed dialogues. However, the entire theatrical establishment was adapted to the local conditions and resources available in the colony. This included the employment of local artists, the majority of whom were half-caste. This practice remained unaltered until the arrival of the Portuguese court in 1808.