Theater as a Means of Preservation and Transformation of Oral Tradition Literature

Abstract

Oral tradition literature has been a key element in shaping the cultural identity of communities. However, factors such as globalization and digitalization have reduced its transmission, putting its continuity at risk. Many ancestral narratives are in danger of disappearing or being reinterpreted without fidelity to their original meaning, weakening their cultural richness. In this context, theater emerges as an effective tool for the preservation and transformation of oral literature, allowing its reinterpretation in contemporary settings and promoting its continuity across generations. The objective of this study is to analyze how theater contributes to the intergenerational transmission of cultural knowledge and to explore theatrical strategies that maximize its impact as a pedagogical and artistic medium. To achieve this, a qualitative methodology was adopted, based on a review of relevant literature, using a narrative approach and an inductive-deductive analysis. Data from scientific articles, academic books, and technical reports were collected to structure a detailed analysis of the relationship between theater and oral literature. The results show that theater facilitates the preservation of oral tradition through dramatization, community theater, and ritual theater, promoting meaningful learning and strengthening cultural identity. Moreover, its ability to adapt to modern contexts through performance and digital theater ensures its continuity, maintaining its relevance in contemporary society.