The association PLATEIA has issued a statement on its Facebook page expressing disapproval over a recent dismissal case at the Teatro Maria Vitória. The association highlighted that the public statements made by the theater’s owner suggest the incident is connected to transfobia.
The case involves a woman who accused the theater’s owner of engaging in transfobia, claiming that she was dismissed solely because she is a transgender person. The theater owner, Helder Costa, has denied these accusations, although a production team member has corroborated them.
PLATEIA emphasizes that it advocates for discussions and interventions in cultural policy and the protection of arts professionals’ rights. It stresses that incidents like this should not be overlooked by the sector to prevent normalization.
A woman claimed the owner of Teatro Maria Vitória in Lisbon engaged in transfobia by dismissing her solely because she is transgender. Helder Costa, the theater owner, denied these claims, but a production team member confirmed them.
Lusa | 18:56 – 16/04/2025
The statement from PLATEIA demands a public clarification from the management of Teatro Maria Vitória, accompanied by a formal apology to the worker affected by this situation.
PLATEIA concludes by encouraging diverse team compositions within cultural institutions, supporting the inclusion of individuals identified with various subgroups in the sector, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, disability, or specific needs, religion, and more.
The dismissal of the transgender woman occurred at the end of March this year, after just three days of employment.
In comments to the Lusa agency, Íris Redol, aged 26, explained that she began working at the Lisbon theater on March 26, as a dressing room assistant, based on the recommendation of a friend who had previously held the same role at Maria Vitória and was being replaced.
According to Íris, the critical moment leading to her dismissal occurred during the final session of the Portuguese revue in which she worked. This moment happened upon visiting actor Paulo Vasco’s dressing room and encountering the theater’s owner, Helder Costa.
Following this encounter, she received a phone call instructing her not to return to the theater. She was informed that the responsible party, who refused to address her as Íris, would not accept her as a woman and did not want her working at Maria Vitória.
When contacted by the Lusa agency, the owner of Teatro Maria Vitória denied the allegations, stating he did not wish to have his name involved in “quarrels” and indicated that Íris was not employed at the theater.
Helder Costa stated the decision to terminate Íris’ employment was due to his lack of knowledge about her hiring, with all hires requiring his approval. He claimed to be unaware of who authorized Íris Redol to begin working at the theater.
He firmly denied his decision was influenced by Íris being a transgender woman. However, a production team member, who spoke to Lusa under anonymity, assured that this was indeed the reason for her dismissal.
Íris Redol mentioned to Lusa that she is considering filing a complaint and is gathering all necessary information to proceed.
