This article traces the history of theatre anthropology in Brazil from the first meetings with Eugenio Barba to the most recent productions of theatre groups. It discusses questions of identity in the craft and how to deal with colonisation in the search of an autonomous theatrical expression. Examples of choices made by Brazilian artists include Cia. YinsPiração, Cia. Mundu Rodá, Grupo Piollin, Grupo Teatral Moitará, Lume Teatro and Teatro Diadokai.