“The Kiss on the Asphalt” "El beso en el asfalto"

Abstract

What would be your last wish before dying? A hug? Calling a family member? Talking one last time to the love of your life? Arandir, a married man, kisses another man on the mouth, who has just been hit by a car, thus fulfilling his last wish before dying. The scene is witnessed by Amado Ribeiro, a journalist who decides to take advantage of the episode. With the case in the spotlight, Arandir isolates himself, suffering from the disbelief of everyone around him, and finds himself compelled to a fate he cannot change. Sexuality, intrigue, unethical behavior by the press and police, and family crisis are the ingredients of this play by Nelson Rodrigues, written in 1960.