A Compadecida

This is the first of three adaptations of theater play Auto da Compadecida by Ariano Suassuna, who, himself, worked in the script. Differently from the latest and more cinenatographic adaptation (A dog's will), by Guel Arraes, this one, by George Jonas, is a tribute to theatre, and copies its language and makes and explicit homage to it (particulrly explicit in end). Costumes are simple and beautiful, very appropriated for a high level theater production. The set in small town Brejo da Madre de Deus is beautiful and charming. Acting by Abtônio Fagyndes as Chicó and Regina Duarte as Compadecida is very uninspired, but Armando Bógus shines in the leading role of João Grilo, as good as Matheus Nachtergaele in latest adaptation. In this film from 1969, the opening and ending credits are cute, making a reference to cordel literature, traditional popular orality-influenced literature from Brazilian Northeast, which influenced Suassuna in his play.