Rio, February 25, 2004 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The corpse of physician-playwright Pedro Bloch was buried yesterday (24) in the Jewish Community Cemetery in Caju, in the port district of Rio. Bloch, who was 89, died on Monday (23) of respiratory insufficiency at his home in the Copacabana neighborhood of the South Zone of this capital.

Born in Ukrania, Bloch was seven when he moved to Brazil. As a physician, he was one of the pioneers of phonoaudiology (speech therapy) in the country. In the arts field, Bloch wrote around thirty plays for the stage, among which the best known are "As Mãos de Eurídice" (Eurydice's Hands), "Os Inimigos Não Mandam Flores" (Enemies Don't Send Flowers), and "Dona Xepa" (Lady Leftovers). (DAS)