“Just by looking at the casts and productions of series and movies made in Portugal, we see that it is not only difficult but seems likely to remain difficult for several years,” said actor and playwright Marco Mendonça at a recent event where he was awarded the Ageas Teatro Nacional D. Maria II Revelation Prize.
“It seems that portraying Portuguese society in all its cultural and ethnic complexities realistically remains challenging, often clinging to a Eurocentric and narrow perspective, ignoring the rich diversity in our society,” he argued.
Mendonça further commented on the challenges of being a Black actor in Portugal, emphasizing that there seems to be a growing reluctance to acknowledge the diverse identities within the country and its society.
He observed a certain progress in cultural thinking within Portugal towards diversity and inclusion, whether in terms of gender identity, ethnicity, or race.
“I sense this progress across various levels, not only in theater but also in visual arts, although not as prominently in the audiovisual sector,” Mendonça noted, adding that certain artistic fields still lack deep engagement and discussion on these issues among decision-makers.
Despite this progress, Mendonça stated that it remains insufficient, as the journey towards a more equitable environment is far from complete.
Contrasting with the artistic realm, Mendonça described a “reverse path” in Portuguese politics and society, characterized by increased oppression and proliferating hate speech.
He identified this as a significant regression for Portuguese society, one that must be combatted through art, whether in theater or other performing arts.
Mendonça acknowledged his privileged position, allowing him the artistic freedom to address and reflect his experiences and views creatively.
Regarding his award, the creator of ‘Blackface’ (2023) and ‘Reparations Baby!’ (2025) expressed a desire for his success to inspire other creators who share similar concerns.
Marco Mendonça was born in Mozambique in 1995 and has lived in Lisbon since 2007. A graduate in Theater from the School of Arts and Drama, he regularly collaborates with the company Os Possessos, where he debuted in 2014.
In 2015, he interned at TNDM under the direction of Tiago Rodrigues, working alongside João Pedro Vaz and Faustin Linyekula. Mendonça has also performed with Artistas Unidos, Liesbeth Gritter, Tonan Quito, and Mala Voadora, expanding his work into film and television.
He is part of the cast of ‘Catarina and the Beauty of Killing Fascists’ by Tiago Rodrigues, which has been on an international tour since 2020.
