João Baptista Gomes Júnior
Nova Castro: tragedia
"NOVA CASTRO: tragedia" by João Baptista Gomes Júnior is a tragic play written in the early 19th century. The narrative revolves around the complex relationship between D. Pedro, the Prince of Portugal, and D. Ignez de Castro, as they navigate the tumultuous political and emotional landscapes influenced by D. Affonso IV, D. Pedro’s father. Central themes of love, duty, and the devastating impacts of tyranny and political intrigue emerge as the characters confront their fates. The opening of the play introduces Ignez, who is portrayed in a state of torment and despair, haunted by her past actions and the implications they carry for her future. She expresses anguish over the ghostly visage of Constança, a rival, and grapples with the fear of her own fate clashing against her love for D. Pedro. As the scene unfolds, Elvira, Ignez's confidante, attempts to soothe her, emphasizing the importance of maintaining Indez's strength for the sake of her children and husband. D. Pedro’s arrival sparks a discussion about the duties that gravitate between love and royal obligations, setting the stage for the tragic events that will unfold as they attempt to balance their desires with harsh societal expectations.