Tchiloli is a play staged in São Tomé and Príncipe since the 16th C. It marks special occasions of the year: both religious and secular celebrations. The production lasts for almost four hours. The text is attributed to the blind Portuguese poets, Balthasar Dias: “A tragédia do marquês de Mântua e do Imperador Carlos Magno” (The Tragedy of the Marquis of Mantua and the Emperor Charlemagne). The play was introduced into São Tomé and Príncipe late in the 16th C., by the Portuguese who came to seed and grow sugarcane.
The story takes place during Carolingian times. Doubtless troubadors and minstrels from Burgundy brought the story to Portugal from the 11th C. onwards.
The Tchiloli (creole name for the play) depicts several historical characters: Charlemagne, his son Carloto, the Marquis of Mantua, Balduino, Reinaldo of Montalvão, Rolando. The plot is built around a murder and provides a vehicle for a long defense of justice. The murder takes place during a hunt. The Marquis of Mantua finds his nephew Valdevinos at death's door. The dying man blames his best friend, Carloto, accusing him of lusting after his wife Sibila, and killing him to have her. The Marquis despatches the dukes of Amão and Beltrão to the Court of Charlemagne so that they demand justice. A trial convenes around the body of the deceased, which is placed between the two families. A letter, found by a young page, intimidates Carloto. His wife's pleas for mercy notwithstanding, Charlemagne sentences his own son to death in the presence of the Minister of Justice. Carloto appeals the decision with his lawyer's help, but Charlemagne remains adamant.
Ever since the 16th C. Santomeans have been appropriating the play, including their own texts and culture. There are also improvisations to make the play dovetail with current events. Costumes and props are often contemporary: calling a lawyer on the cell phone, Charlemagne looking at the time on his wristwatch, sunglasses, briefcases, typewriters and other objects.
The play depicts a trial where justice is served, whether the accused is rich or poor. Two essential facts are at the heart of the play's staying power over the centuries. The first is the embodiment of Portuguese power in the person of Charlemagne, and the audience relating to the Marquis of Mantua, who is unjustly oppressed yet shows pluck and endurance. The second is the representation of the victim, constant throughout the play, where an African audience perceives their specific need to honor the dead.
The theatrical companies that put on the Tchiloli, called “Tragédia” (Tragedy), are comprised of about thirty people: all of them men, playing feminine parts as well. Roles are hereditary. An actor owns his role throughout his life. He passes it on to sons or godsons.