The world of theater has emerged as a life-changing force for individuals who have hit rock bottom, providing a platform for discipline, focus, and ultimately, transformation. Artur Fontes, 58, and Paula Cruz, 47, are among 15 actors from socially excluded backgrounds participating in a theatrical production under the artistic direction of Rui Spranger.
Having consumed cocaine and heroin for three decades, Artur comes with a story eager to be told. “I was diagnosed too late with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder [ADHD], and I paid dearly for it not being discovered sooner,” he shared.
Admitting to being “an excessive user,” things worsened following his father’s death, with whom he worked at the family funeral home, leading to a loss of control in his life. Theater found its way to him through supporting institutions. Over the past 15 years, he has gained stage experience, volunteered, and even conducted training sessions in the field.
Currently pursuing 3D architectural program training, he looks forward to the 4:00 PM curtain rise on Saturday with a sense of joy and certainty: “I will be completely focused; the ADHD won’t manifest.”
Paula Cruz recounted her life as: “An intelligent girl with little family, little love, lots of money, professional success, a turbulent adult life, and drugs that ruined everything.”
Participating in numerous theater projects keeps her motivated, describing it as “a feeling of enormous freedom and profound self-fulfillment.”
“Yes, I like to take work home when it comes to theater,” she said, explaining how this mission helps her “live in a more normal world, of waking up and going to work, physical and mental preparation, everything that encompasses the day-to-day of a normal worker.”
Reflecting on the upcoming debut, Paula gazed upon the stage and said with conviction: “Tomorrow [Saturday] I will debut on one of the country’s main stages. It will be wonderful! A dream come true.”
Artistic director Rui Spranger speaks of the challenges involved in a project that requires patience, avoiding judgment but maintaining firmness when the group might be at risk.
“Here, we combat stigma by creating performances with social and political elements, working internally to achieve more demanding theatrical and artistic challenges, which itself is an educational process that opens up new horizons,” he explained.
He continued, “With this performance, we seek a major artistic challenge, engaging individuals with certain dysfunctions, proposing physical theater and clowning, technically demanding forms that represent a significant challenge and effort for everyone involved.”
Highlighting social integration, he pointed out that besides the “sense of belonging,” participants have improved communication, concentration, and self-confidence, which has enabled some to find work and move away from social welfare dependence.
“As a result, we had to move rehearsals, originally from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, to 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, to accommodate those who started working or resumed their studies,” he stated.
Tickets are priced between 10 and 16 euros, with half the proceeds benefiting the Albergues do Porto association, which supports the homeless in Porto, while the remaining funds will support community involvement activities at the Teatro Nacional São João.
