The writer Bruno Luperi, author of the remake of “Renascer”, decided to make the telenovela more inclusive than the original text. This Saturday (2/10), the production included a critical scene on homophobia and transphobia, in contrast to the known opinions of his grandfather, Benedito Ruy Barbosa, author of the original 1993 soap opera. The sequence featured Venâncio (Rodrigo Simas ) which rebuked José Bento’s (Marcello Melo Jr) homophobic jokes and defense of sexual minorities.
Scenes to fight prejudices
During a walk along the Ipanema seafront in Rio de Janeiro, José Bento makes prejudicial comments, using inappropriate terms to refer to people and place. Venâncio, aware of Buba’s (Gabriela Medeiros) transsexuality, begins a speech in defense of gender identity and individual freedom. “This is not fashion, it’s gender identity! Freedom to be who you are without needing fear or approval from anyone!”, exalts Venâncio, underlining the importance of respect and information to fight prejudices.
The discussion extends to Venâncio’s house, where he shares what happened with Eliana (Sophie Charlotte). Despite Eliana’s irony, Venâncio maintains his position, condemning homophobia and transphobia as crimes and reflections of an education based on prejudices. “And we are educated to look the other way, to make fun of or treat diversity like a disease, when, in reality, the sick people in this whole story are us!”, he claims.
Position of Benedito Ruy Barbosa
Benedito Ruy Barbosa, 92, is not involved in the remake of “Renascer” and watches the telenovela only as a spectator. But such a scene would be unthinkable in a text written by him. In 2016 he clarified this during a press conference on “Velho Chico”, when he expressed his aversion to conspiracies involving LGBTQIA+ characters. He said at the time: “I hate queer stories. It may exist, you can accept it, but you can’t turn it into a lesson for children.”
Bruno was present for the occasion, as well as Bruno’s mother and Benedito’s daughter, Edmara Barboda, who were the author’s assistants in the telenovela.
Cultural impact of “Renascer”
The inclusion of themes related to sexual diversity in the “Renascer” remake marks a significant evolution in soap operas’ approach to social issues, especially in derivative works by authors with a history of making controversial statements on the topic. Buba’s transformation into a transsexual opened the doors to an important debate, led by Bruno Luperi.
Source: Terra
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