“The story explores the challenges faced by wolves, their capabilities, and the species’ resilience. Through the life of this wolf, from its beginnings to adulthood, we get a glimpse into the essence of these creatures,” stated Sérgio Agostinho, artistic director and actor of the company.
Peripécia held a press rehearsal to showcase a performance set to premiere on June 6 in Benagouro, a village in Vila Real, with a preview for local students on June 5, marking World Environment Day.
Sala Peripécia is located at the Cultural and Recreational Center of Benagouro, a village at the foot of the Serra do Alvão. “In a true wolf territory,” Agostinho emphasized, mentioning that a pack known as Sombra once inhabited this area, though it is unclear if they still do.
Thus, according to him, it made perfect sense for the company to delve into this subject, which is complex, divisive, and viewed from multiple angles: “We are taking on a complex task because the theme is multifaceted. It is not just an environmental issue but also a social and political one. We aim to reflect these perspectives through a performance rich in aesthetic variety.”
The company leader added that the play features live music and elements of humor and drama, which, he noted, “adds a captivating allure for the audience to engage with these topics.”
“We believe the wolf is misunderstood. […] It is humans who encroach upon the wolf’s territory. This conflict has ancient roots, as mentioned in the play, yet the wolf is simply being true to its nature as a key ecosystem species,” he emphasized.
Agostinho highlighted that, throughout history, wolves have been linked to mysticism, religion, the sinister, and the demonic—connections that persist today through narratives.
“As a result, much of what we think we know about wolves is false,” he stressed.
This original work by Peripécia Teatro draws inspiration from texts by Félix Rodriguez de la Fuente, real testimonies, and a song collected by Federico Garcia Lorca.
The production also originated in 2018 from a proposal by the Vila Real municipal environmental service.
“We need to remember that understanding leads to protection,” stated Mafalda Vaz de Carvalho from the environmental services, emphasizing the play’s role in raising awareness about wolves, dispelling the myth of the big bad wolf, and promoting the preservation of this protected species in Portugal.
The official further noted that artistic creation can aid in achieving conservation goals, particularly concerning Vila Real’s natural heritage.
The project includes interpretative nature walks led by specialist André Brito, who will visit the historic wolf trap in Samardã before performance sessions.
“To help people understand the purpose of the structure, the wolf’s pathways, why they no longer pass through here, and the detrimental effects of wildfires on wolves,” he said, referencing the latest census indicating a decline in pack numbers in the area.
The National Census 2019/2021, released in 2024, revealed a 20% reduction in the wolf’s presence in Portugal, with detected packs decreasing by 8% to 58 over two decades.
In Alvão, there was a decline of over 50% in estimated pack numbers, from 13 to six.
Most packs are located north of the Douro River, spread across three population centers: Peneda/Gerês, Alvão/Padrela, and Bragança.
