The choreography “May B” by Maguy Marin, the play “Começar tudo outra vez” by Raquel André and Tonan Quito, “hOLD” by São Castro and Teresa Alves da Silva, and a concert by Hermeto Pascoal are highlighted events for the remaining months of the year. This phase of the season commences with Giacomo Scalisi’s show “Quem vai ao mar não volta a terra” and culminates with the contemporary circus by Gandini Juggling.
In total, there are 39 activities including two premieres, four original productions, eight co-productions, and seven artistic residencies, as stated by Teatro Viriato’s artistic director, António M Cabrita.
“This season is envisioned as a bridge between different worldviews, fostering debate and sharing, with offerings that traverse various realms, from the human to the animal, the future, past, utopian, dystopian, natural, technological, birth and aging,” summarized the programming head.
At a press conference, António M Cabrita mentioned that these words poetically encapsulate the offerings at Teatro Viriato, an arena encouraging empathy and communal understanding.
The new series begins on Friday, the 11th, with Giacomo Scalisi’s culinary-themed performance “Quem vai ao mar não volta a terra,” wrapping up on December 13 with “Heka,” a contemporary circus act by Gandini Juggling.
“It’s a work from a colossal company that presents a show with rigor, magic, and illusion, serving as a refreshing mental break after an intense season,” Cabrita explained.
Amidst this, there’s a “world premiere” in theater with “Empregos Modernos,” a play by Manchester playwright and actor Chris Thorpe, directed by Alfredo Martins and co-produced by Teatro Viriato.
António M Cabrita claimed that the play intertwines questions of humanity, education, and work, examining contemporary labor, mobility, and power dynamics.
“Empregos Modernos,” also co-produced by Teatro-Cine de Pombal, Teatro Municipal de Matosinhos, and S. Luiz Teatro Municipal de Lisboa, will be staged in Lisbon from February 18-22.
Nationally premiering is the duo Ballaké Sissoko & Piers Faccini, performing on December 6 at Teatro Viriato, showcasing their latest creation, “Our Calling,” an album spanning continents and traditions in a profound dialogue.
As part of international concert highlights, Hermeto Pascoal, a “legendary figure in Brazilian music,” will perform on November 8, presenting the album “Pra você, Ilza.” The event is already sold out.
Teatro Viriato’s network efforts will feature a documentary at the Vista Curta festival by Cine Clube de Viseu, along with a cine-concert where a film will be accompanied by live music, emphasizing analog spaces and live musical construction.
Between September and December, seven artistic residencies will take place, two co-produced by Teatro Viriato.
The “hOLD” project by choreographers São Castro and Teresa Alves da Silva offers a “sensitive reflection on aging as a universal phenomenon,” tackling physical, psychological, social, and cultural perspectives, interpreted by two dancers nearing 50.
This performance will also be showcased at Centro Cultural de Belém in Lisbon in October.
“Começar tudo outra vez” by Raquel André and Tonan Quito challenges narratives of birth, heritage, and care, transforming a dining table into a political statement on education.
António M Cabrita noted that those attending all seasonal shows will observe a dramaturgical relationship and narrative link connecting them, a concept that guided the programming team’s preparation for this final cycle of 2025.
This season is unique, featuring a scent developed by Teatro Viriato in collaboration with sponsor Amor Luso, inspired by the themes and suggestions of the new program and crafted into an air freshener.
During the program presentation, Viseu’s culture councilor, Leonor Barata, emphasized that “funding from the Viseu City Council for Teatro Viriato is not an expense, it’s an irreplaceable investment.” She stated it supports not only territorial development and Teatro Viriato’s outreach but also strengthens the community where it is embedded.
Teatro Viriato’s program can be accessed on the venue’s website.
