João Cabral

de Melo Neto

João Cabral de Melo Neto was a Brazilian poet, playwright, and diplomat who is widely considered to be one of the most important figures in Brazilian literature. Born in 1920 in the city of Recife, in the state of Pernambuco, he was the son of a lawyer and a schoolteacher. He studied law at the University of Recife, but soon abandoned his studies to pursue a career in writing.

Cabral de Melo Neto began his literary career in the 1940s, writing poetry and plays. His first collection of poems, “O Caminho das Águas” (The Path of the Waters), was published in 1945. This collection was followed by “O Canto da Sereia” (The Song of the Mermaid) in 1947, and “O Canto do Pássaro” (The Song of the Bird) in 1949. These works established him as one of the most important poets of his generation.

In the 1950s, Cabral de Melo Neto began to write plays. His first play, “O Homem que Matou o Diabo” (The Man Who Killed the Devil), was produced in 1954. This play was followed by “O Homem que Matou o Diabo II” (The Man Who Killed the Devil II) in 1956, and “O Homem que Matou o Diabo III” (The Man Who Killed the Devil III) in 1958. These plays were highly acclaimed and established him as one of the most important playwrights of his generation.

In the 1960s, Cabral de Melo Neto began to write essays and short stories. His first collection of essays, “O Homem e o Tempo” (Man and Time), was published in 1962. This collection was followed by “O Homem e o Espaço” (Man and Space) in 1965, and “O Homem e o Universo” (Man and the Universe) in 1967. These works established him as one of the most important essayists of his generation.

In the 1970s, Cabral de Melo Neto began to write novels. His first novel, “O Homem e o Mar” (Man and the Sea), was published in 1972. This novel was followed by “O Homem e a Terra” (Man and the Earth) in 1975, and “O Homem e o Céu” (Man and the Sky) in 1978. These works established him as one of the most important novelists of his generation.

In the 1980s, Cabral de Melo Neto began to write for the theater. His first play, “O Homem e o Teatro” (Man and the Theater), was produced in 1982. This play was followed by “O Homem e o Teatro II” (Man and the Theater II) in 1985, and “O Homem e o Teatro III” (Man and the Theater III) in 1988. These plays established him as one of the most important playwrights of his generation.

In the 1990s, Cabral de Melo Neto began to write for the cinema. His first film, “O Homem e o Cinema” (Man and the Cinema), was released in 1992. This film was followed by “O Homem e o Cinema II” (Man and the Cinema II) in 1995, and “O Homem e o Cinema III” (Man and the Cinema III) in 1998. These films established him as one of the most important filmmakers of his generation.

Throughout his career, Cabral de Melo Neto was