THE HISTORY OF CAPOEIRA AND ITS PLAYFUL, PLAYING AND IMAGINARY POSSIBILITIES

Abstract

This theoretical essay aims to reflect on the historical possibilities of capoeira with the ludic. Therefore, theoretical essay is being understood as a reflective and interpretive text based on the existing literature on a given topic. We will explore cultural history as a theoretical basis and our reflections will dialogue with the epistemologies of the South, which emerge as a decolonizing and counter-hegemonic movement. The essay is organized in a theoretical and methodological introduction, followed by the topics: “Origin and meanings of capoeira”; “Historical Notes” and “The Capoeira Game and Playing”. We defend that the ludic and playful potential present in the game of capoeira is constituted not only as a possible characteristic, but fundamental to the very experience of the game in its fullness.