Let's get this out of the way: 'A Scena do Ódio' is weird. Don't expect a normal beginning, middle, and end. Published in 1923, it's a short, explosive play that feels like a punch to the gut.

The Story

The plot is simple on the surface. A man, filled with a boiling, all-consuming hatred for the world around him, hires a theater. He invites the public to come and watch him be 'executed.' He sets up a fake guillotine, gives a long, furious speech blaming society for its hypocrisy and emptiness, and then pretends to die. The 'crime' he's being executed for? Simply existing in a world he finds fake and worthless. The play is really about the performance itself—the Man's rant, the reactions of the staged audience, and the unsettling feeling that this isn't just acting. It's a man using theater as a weapon.

Why You Should Read It

I picked this up out of curiosity about Portuguese modernism and was not prepared for how modern it feels. This isn't a dusty old text. The Man's rage—against conformity, against empty traditions, against people who just go through the motions—is shockingly relatable today. Almada isn't interested in making his hero likable. He's making him loud. The power here is in the sheer, unfiltered emotion. It's less about following a story and more about being exposed to a state of mind. Reading it feels like listening to a furious, brilliant punk rock album from a century ago. It’s chaotic, a bit messy, and completely unforgettable.

Final Verdict

This book is perfect for anyone who loves art that breaks the rules. If you're into bold, experimental writing, avant-garde theater, or just want to experience a pure blast of creative anger from another era, give this an hour of your time. It's not a cozy read, and it won't give you neat conclusions. But if you've ever felt frustrated with the world and wanted to shout about it, you'll find a kindred, if extreme, spirit in Almada Negreiros's screaming man on a stage.