“você conhece Exú? qual Exú você conhece?”: uma análise dos Ìtàn de Èṣù na performance teatral Exu a boca do universo

Abstract

This work focuses on the ìtàn (myths/stories) of the Orisha Èṣù as portrayed in the play Exu: A Boca do Universo (Exu: The Mouth of the Universe), by Daniel Arcades and Fernanda Júlia (Onisajé), in the production staged by NATA – Núcleo Afrobrasileiro de Teatro de Alagoinhas in 2014, specifically for the reopening of Teatro Castro Alves in Salvador after a major renovation. The play presents the ìtàn of Èṣù through the lens of Yoruba tradition, and this research analyzes the Orisha’s myths within the theatrical piece from the perspective of Èṣù as the keeper of the Asè (vital force) of Black people after the abolition of slavery. In this way, it becomes evident how Yoruba culture remains alive in Brazilian territory through the oral tradition maintained in Ketu-based Candomblé terreiros (temples), rooted in the memory held by Black bodies and performed through oralitura (oral literature), which creates tensions in history and in each individual's lived experience in a post-diaspora context. By analyzing the ìtàn of Èṣù, we can understand the central role of mythology for the Yoruba in developing a philosophical worldview based on the lived experience of Black Candomblé practitioners—framing the play as a living force of Literatura-terreiro (temple literature). Thus, these studies contribute to the strengthening of African culture in Brazil by perpetuating a mythological tradition in which much of the population finds representation and belonging. Furthermore, the humble reflections presented here add distinct forms of knowledge to academic literature, so that academia is not restricted to one theoretical approach but can openly embrace the plurality of knowledge offered by diverse wisdom traditions. It is also worth remembering: Devil, Demon, or Dog, Èṣù is not! He is a protagonist and can never be relegated to the antagonist in others’ stories. Arcades and Onisajé show us that He lives among His people. Lastly, grounded in the performance of Exu: Boca do Universo, this work presents a Yoruba Èṣù who lives on in the bodies of Black Brazilians—a chaotic and multifaceted Èṣù who destabilizes concepts and reinvents the world.