Holiness, a drama by Jose Vicente, opened Nov. 24, and reinaugurated the famous Crowe Plaza Theatre in Sao Paulo. It closes Dec. 21. Fauzi Arap directs.

This play explores the conflicting relationship between Arthur, an unemployed ex-seminarist, and his homosexual roommate Yvo. Arthur is forced to face up to the life left behind by the unexpected visit of his brother Nicolau, who is about to be ordained as a priest. The roomates pass the night away in a discussion about faith, religion and their own frustrations, in and out of monastery. The play has a strong autobiographical content as the author himself abandoned his vocation in mid-stream.

In 1968, the script for Holiness was censured by the Brazilian military regime and forbidden to the public. Now, thirty years later, director Fauzi Arap is able to present this controversial story for the first time. He also proves that in spite of being written during the Sixties, the theme is still very much in evidence and the hypocrisy which is the main subject of the drama, remains actual.

Playing the leading roles are a cast of well-known young actors: Mario Bortolotto as Arthur, Antonio de Andrade is Yvo and Nivio Diegues plays the seminarist Nicolau.

Tickets cost R$20,00. Performances on Thu - Sat - 9PM; Sun - 8PM. Information call 011 253 2244 at The Crowe Plaza Theatre in Sao Paulo. -- By Nertutila Achao

Brazil Correspondent