After the Silence review – compelling tale of racial inequalities and slavery in Brazil

The Studio, Edinburgh
Fiction and reality blur in this unruly but utterly engrossing show, which blends documentary and theatre – and will stay with you long after you have left

There seems to be no dividing line between reality and fiction in Christiane Jatahy’s documentary-style show. It begins as a lecture about the history of Brazilian slavery, then turns into an exposé about the murder of a social justice activist given by the women to whom he was closest. Video evidence accompanies their testimonies; it feels like a people’s court, allowing the outraged and grief-stricken a hearing.

A triptych of back screens feature interviews and footage from their wider community in the rural mountainous region of Bahia, and the actors (Juliana França, Gal Pereira and Caju Bezerra, all phenomenal) chip in with their personal stories, as well as explaining or responding to the events on screen. It slowly dawns that the show is deliberately blurring lines between reality and drama, as well as screen and stage. The result is convoluted and powerful but for all its frustrations, it makes for an arresting experience.

At the Studio, Edinburgh, until 24 August

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