Sombras que educam, luzes que revelam: Percursos metodológicos do Teatro de Sombras no Centro de Ensino João Mohana em Peritoró-MA

Abstract

This research aimed to investigate Shadow Theater as a pedagogical, humanized, and inclusive experience in the context of Art/Education, capable of enhancing creativity, the development of interpersonal relationships, respect, and the protagonism of all those involved. The investigation was characterized as quantitative-qualitative field research, developed at the João Mohana State School, located in the city of Peritoró, Maranhão. The participants involved were licensed art teachers and students in the 1st year B of high school/2025 in the morning shift. The choice of the research location and class was based on the fact that it is the institution and audience with which the proponent of this research works. The intervention was carried out through the implementation of Shadow Theater in the school activities of the Basic Elective course, an interdisciplinary course focused on projects, with the aim of stimulating creativity, artistic expression, student leadership, and the appreciation of cultural traditions. The instruments used were observations, questionnaires, and photographic records of the participants' experiences during the intervention process, as well as a record of their impressions of the initiative at the end of the project. It is important to note that this culmination took place through the presentation of a shadow theater play, which sought to understand the impacts of this practice in the school environment. The research revealed a significant impact on the students' creativity and artistic expression, showing an increase in their ability to work as a team, in addition to developing a greater understanding of narrative and visual aesthetics. This interaction between students throughout the creative process promoted a sense of community, strengthening bonds of empathy and inclusion, even though the school community was facing challenges due to the renovation of the institution's building. As an educational product, this research made available a virtual pedagogical magazine entitled Bringing Light to the Shadows – Shadow Theater in High School, which aims to be a space for reflection and sharing of experiences and suggestions for practical activities experienced during the investigation and which can be consulted and tried out in other contexts of Basic Education.