Pietro Bianchi Analyzes José Régio's El-Rei Sebastião Through Psychoanalysis
Marco Grosoli and Anita Romanello examine Pietro Bianchi's reading of José Régio's 1949 play El-Rei Sebastião, highlighting the role of psychoanalysis. The play is set in 1578, on the eve of the Battle of Ksar El Kbir, a disastrous defeat that ended Portugal's imperial dream. King Sebastião, a capricious 24-year-old, is portrayed as inept for war but is convinced to embark on the campaign by a shoemaker named Simão. The narrative draws on messianic prophecies dating back to 1139, when Afonso Henriques claimed Jesus appeared to him, tasking him with founding an empire. These prophecies evolved into the myth of the Fifth Empire, an universalist utopia articulated by Father Antonio Vieira in the 17th century, according to which Sebastião would one day return to redeem and transcend all divisions.
Key facts
- Pietro Bianchi's analysis focuses on José Régio's 1949 play El-Rei Sebastião.
- The play is set in 1578 before the Battle of Ksar El Kbir.
- King Sebastião is depicted as a capricious 24-year-old.
- The shoemaker Simão convinces Sebastião to go to war.
- Messianic prophecies date back to 1139 with Afonso Henriques.
- Father Antonio Vieira developed the concept of the Fifth Empire in the 17th century.
- The Fifth Empire is a universalist utopia where Sebastião returns to redeem humanity.
- The article is published on Doppiozero.
Entities
Artists
- Pietro Bianchi
- Marco Grosoli
- Anita Romanello
- José Régio
- King Sebastião
- Simão
- Afonso Henriques
- Father Antonio Vieira
Institutions
- Doppiozero
Locations
- Portugal
- Ksar El Kbir