At 84 years old, Maria Clara Faria welcomes Helena Jorge and Inês Rodrigues into her home. These two volunteers visit weekly to read aloud selected chapters from various works.
The initial sessions began at the Centro de Dia Rainha Santa Isabel, but the bond of trust and companionship that formed soon brought the readings to the comfort of Maria Clara’s living room.
Passages from “Dia Cinzento e Outros Contos” by Mário Dionísio evoke memories for Maria Clara, connecting her past experiences with the stories she is attentively listening to.
Her broad smile becomes a gateway to a treasure trove of real-life stories, as the readings inspire her to share parts of her legacy.
“They read very beautiful stories. One about a suitor who, after three years, couldn’t decide because his true calling was to become a priest. I was also moved by the story of Condeixa-a-Nova and Velha, especially when I remembered my father making a large wicker basket to send my things to Funchal,” she shared, disclosing her roots in Madeira.
For the following week, which marks the eighth since the “Leituras a Domicílio” project commenced, more excerpts are planned from “Constantino, Guardador de Sonhos” by Alves Redol, coinciding with the latest production by Teatrão.
The “Leituras a Domicílio” initiative arose through a partnership between Companhia Teatrão and Cáritas Diocesana de Coimbra, aiming to alleviate social isolation, as part of the supplementary programming for the Teatrão show.
“In my childhood, my cousin had an improvised stage at home, with curtains and everything. We enjoyed it immensely, which inspired my participation in a Teatrão project last year,” Maria Clara reminisced.
This neorealist literature reading program serves not only as a listening exercise but also an opportunity for Maria Clara to mention her family — two children, three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren — and to delve into Madeiran culinary delights, explaining how to prepare ‘panelo’ or proudly showcasing the quilt she is embroidering.
“I’m from Ponta Delgada [a parish in Madeira] and learned to embroider at 11. This quilt, which is not yet finished, is for my granddaughter,” she revealed to the volunteers.
Helena Jorge expressed her surprise at Maria Clara’s enthusiasm for embracing this initiative at 84, as she conveyed to the Lusa news agency.
“She engages with this opportunity for personal growth through the power of books, reading, and stories. In return, we gain the privilege of sharing her legacy and memories, which offer not just facts but meaningful insights,” remarked Helena Jorge, who is also a psychologist.
Meanwhile, Inês Rodrigues from the Condeixa-a-Nova Library highlighted that the volunteer work has been “a pleasant surprise at every level,” allowing her to contribute to the community while indulging in her passion for reading.
“For some individuals, volunteers provide companionship, creating a day’s diversion with learning, conversation, and reminiscing,” noted Sónia Lopes, a social worker at Cáritas.
Isabel Craveiro, the artistic director of Teatrão, explained that the project was created “to reach audiences and individuals previously beyond our access.”
“We had many volunteers, but initially struggled to match them with those willing to receive home visits. Some participants preferred the day center settings, but gradually, as trust was built, sessions moved to homes,” she explained.
The reading series runs until June, but there are aspirations for future editions and broader outreach.
