Heliodora speaks and writes better English than I do--a fact that is disconcerting to me, but explains why she is such a marvelous translator. And her books and articles about Shakespeare are world-class. Her analysis of the History Plays (A EXPRESSAO DRAMATICA DO HOMEN POLITICO EM SHAKESPEARE) is the best critique of those works I have ever read.
In later times when they write the history of the Brazilian theatre, Heliodora’s name will shine. As teacher, director, translator ,and as drama critic, never has she condescended in any way to Brazilian theatre and to its artists. The exacting standards she demands are the same she would demand and expect from the best British, French, and American plays. And never has she doubted Brazilian artists could and would meet and surpass those standards. In a world where most drama critics specialize in “affective” criticism (“I liked, I hated, I cried. etc.”) reading an Heliodora criticism you KNOW what happened on the stage -- the concept, the quality of the acting/directing/lighting/ writing/costuming.
She is a wonderful friend of boundless energy and enthusiasm--no one better to talk with, argue with (my mother-in-law used to wring her hands and say, “Why are you shouting at each other?”) and knock back a whiskey or caipirinha. Thanks to her I learned about the best of Brazilian theatre and from time to time the worst. Never will I forget her review of the disastrous CARTAS POETUGUESAS, where she suggested the two talented actresses involved should take a forced several month sabbatical from the theater as penance for having appeared in such a piece of lixo.Yet she can be gentle, perceptive and encouraging. I have seen her work coaching young drama students in their Shakespeare scenes. And once she attended a rehearsal of a play in which I was performing. I admit to the fear and anxiety probably experienced by most actors under scrutiny of The Critic…and what did she do?? She gave me some excellent suggestions on how to handle a difficult passage, suggestions I immediately incorporated into my work. So Heliodora - Parabens pra Voce!!!

Brett Prentiss

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