Behind the Sun

In the scorching Brazilian badlands of April 1910, the landscape stretches endlessly like an unforgiving canvas, devoid of solace or respite. It is against this backdrop that the story of Tonho unfolds, a young man whose life is forever changed by the cruel hand of fate. Ordered by his father to avenge the untimely death of his older brother, Tonho finds himself trapped in a never-ending cycle of violence and bloodlust. The weight of his ancestral duty bears down upon him, threatening to consume his very essence. Tonho knows the gravity of his task, and the consequences that will befall him should he fail to comply. The other family, fueled by their own desire for revenge, will not hesitate to exact a gruesome retribution upon his own life. This realization is a constant presence in Tonho's mind, a ticking clock that hangs over his every waking moment. As he reflects on the life he has already lived – twenty years of existence, of trials and tribulations – he dreads the knowledge that his future is all but predetermined. His days are numbered, and the only certainty is the tragic ending that awaits him. Tonho's younger brother, Pacu, senses the turmoil brewing within his sibling and makes a conscious effort to intervene. Pacu is a beacon of hope in a world that seems determined to snuff out the light of compassion and humanity. As the two brothers navigate the treacherous landscape of their family's dynamics, Pacu's influence serves as a counterbalance to the suffocating expectations placed upon Tonho. Their lives take an unexpected turn with the arrival of a tiny travelling circus, a nomadic troupe of performers who bring a spark of vibrancy and joy to the desolate badlands. The circus, with its colorful tents and eclectic cast of characters, serves as a catalyst for change, inspiring Tonho to question the very fabric of his existence. As he becomes increasingly enthralled by the performers, Tonho begins to see the world in a different light. He starts to envision a future beyond the confines of his family's vendetta, a future where he can forge his own path and shatter the shackles of his predetermined fate. The circus serves as a metaphor for the beauty and diversity of the human experience. The performers, with their unique talents and stories, represent the untold potential that lies within each individual. As Tonho watches, mesmerized by the acrobats, musicians, and poets, he begins to realize that his life is not predetermined by his family's legacy, but rather by the choices he makes. This realization is a double-edged sword, offering Tonho a glimmer of hope and the possibility of redemption, while also forcing him to confront the consequences of his actions. Tonho's journey serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of human life and the importance of living in the present moment. His struggles, however, are not unique to him alone. Throughout the ages, countless individuals have grappled with similar conflicts, torn between the demands of their families, communities, or cultures, and their own desires and aspirations. In the end, Tonho's decision to defy his family's expectations and forge his own path serves as a testament to the indomitable human spirit. His choice to break free from the shackles of his predetermined fate serves as a reminder that life is a gift, and that every individual has the power to shape their own destiny. As Tonho embarks on a new chapter in his life, he does so with a sense of purpose and direction, knowing that his choices have the power to create a brighter, more compassionate world. In the scorching Brazilian badlands of April 1910, Tonho's story unfolds against the backdrop of a harsh and unforgiving landscape. His struggles serve as a poignant reminder of the complexities and challenges that lie at the heart of the human experience. Behind the Sun is a poignant and powerful drama, one that sheds light on the darker corners of human nature while celebrating the resilience and hope that defines us all.