Titled ‘World Stages — Factory’, this unique community production was commissioned by ADRIMAG – Association for the Integrated Rural Development of the Montemuro, Arada, and Gralheira Mountains and involves the municipalities of Arouca and Castelo de Paiva, both located in the Aveiro district and the Metropolitan Area of Porto, alongside the local council.
João Carlos Pinto, executive coordinator of ADRIMAG, states that this second production at the deactivated Martins & Rebello factory was inspired by Pope Francis’ quote “We are all immigrants. No one has a fixed abode on this earth,” and uses the performing arts to integrate the migrant community, believing that “art has the power to unite communities, bring neighbors closer, and open doors.”
“It is a moment made with and for the community, honoring the collective memory while welcoming those who come from outside and choose our territories to live in,” he asserts.
The theater director and actor Miguel Hernandez serves as the artistic director of the show, which began planning in April and includes unique dramaturgy, as well as its own set, props, and costumes, to better enhance a storyline focused on “the appreciation and respect for immigrants, along with highlighting the problems and atrocities they currently face.”
“The show draws inspiration from the deep challenges related to immigration and the thousands of refugees marking today’s world,” Miguel Hernandez tells Lusa. “Through the closeness to different cultures, we aim to awaken awareness, understanding, and comprehension among people, so that together we can carve a path of hope towards a more sensitive and responsible humanity,” he explains.
In this effort, the director admits it was particularly demanding to deal with the size and varying levels of experience of the team involved, which includes 81 professional actors, 253 amateurs, and 37 technicians.
“This complexity presents a challenge that demands great commitment, dedication, and daily overcoming of obstacles. But at the same time, it brings us immense satisfaction to realize that this entire process is transformative for the lives of those involved, fostering the best culture has to offer,” he guarantees.
Mehreen Yasir, who is Pakistani and will deliver a monologue in the production, acknowledges that her participation in the project has made a difference.
“We came to Portugal so our children could receive a good education, and they are, but it’s a real struggle for us. My husband is the only one working, and it’s very difficult to survive because there are no Portuguese language schools for foreigners here in Vale de Cambra,” she begins.
Essential public transport for those without cars is also “very expensive” and restricts both daily activities and any escape from routine. Consequence: “As we cannot go anywhere to learn the language, we feel trapped here.”
The ADRIMAG project, on the other hand, allowed her to meet “many people from different countries” and gave her a new sense of vitality.
“Meeting everyone was wonderful, they are all very kind, and at least we have a place where we can advocate for our rights. Otherwise, it feels like immigrants aren’t human or don’t exist, even though they are helping this country,” Mehreen Yasir tells Lusa. “That is why the project is great and why there should be more like it—to ensure immigrants are recognized and not treated unjustly.”
During the two days of the ‘World Stages — Factory’ performance, doors open at 6:30 PM, inviting the public to what the organization describes as “a real celebration, where people can savor the cuisine from different parts of the world” and appreciate an exhibition on immigration, including projections of immigrant testimonies.
At 10:00 PM, the journey through the old factory sites will commence, featuring various community artistic interventions along the way, culminating in circus, choral music, and dance performances concentrated in the main square.
Although prior ticket collection is required at the Vale de Cambra Arts and Shows Center, admission to the venue is free—an estate in the process of being acquired by the municipality for the future National Dairy Museum.
