A Beata Maria do Egito

work by Queiroz

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June 22, 2026

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"A Beata Maria do Egito" is a play by the Brazilian novelist and writer Rachel de Queiroz. Written in 1958, it updates the legend of Saint Maria Egipciaça, setting the story in a small Brazilian backwater. The play is considered one of Queiroz's stronger theatrical works. Queiroz was known for her modernist novels that focused on social criticism and used colloquial language, often drawing inspiration from her upbringing in the semiarid backlands of northeastern Brazil. Her work frequently explored the roles and struggles of women in Brazilian society.

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Rachel de Queiroz
…critics preferred her second play, A Beata Maria do Egito (1958; “Blessed Mary of Egypt”), which updates the legend of the martyr Saint Maria Egipciaça, setting the action in a small Brazilian backwater. Her third effort was Teatro (1995; “Theatre”).
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…critics preferred her second play, A Beata Maria do Egito (1958; “Blessed Mary of Egypt”), which updates the legend of the martyr Saint Maria Egipciaça, setting the action in a small Brazilian backwater. Her third effort was Teatro (1995; “Theatre”).
Read More