From theatre to streets: the dynamics of shows in Ouro Preto, Brazil (1870-1900)

ABSTRACT Ouro Preto, a city known worldwide for its baroque architecture, had its status as the capital of the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, threatened by republican ideals that aimed at progress and modernization, fighting colonial characteristics and values. Aiming to adjust and try to sustain its position, it implemented improvements with interventions from urban perimeter to habits. This paper examines how entertainments gained attention from local governments in the midst of modernization attempts, between 1870 and 1900. Documentary research was carried out at the Arquivo Público Municipal de Ouro Preto (Ouro Preto Municipal Public Archive), prioritizing municipal sources. Shows of varied natures, as dramatic, equestrian and bullfights, were held in different spaces, with those happening in closed places, especially in the theatre, being privileged regarding open shows, considered barbaric and uncivilized. Among the actions, there were even projects to build new theatres in the city. The shows were income providers for the Câmara Municipal (City Council), behaviour influencers, and thermometers of civility and local progress.