Itinerário – Geologia de um regresso a casa, by Rogério Nuno Costa, is the work that concludes the process the artist developed over three years within the framework of the STAGES program. It is the second work resulting from this project to premiere this year at Dona Maria II’s, following As Mulheres que celebram as Tesmofórias, by Odete.
In this creation, Rogério Nuno Costa revisits his artistic journey and several of his previous works, exploring possible responses to the challenges posed by the climate crisis to artistic creation and to a practice increasingly under threat: that of hospitality.
Launched in 2023, the ATOS program continues to position Dona Maria II as a driving force for participatory artistic practices across the country. This year, ATOS takes the form of mentorship for 27 projects developed in four municipalities — Funchal, Lamego, Loulé, and São João da Madeira. These projects, selected through an open call and developed in collaboration with mentors specializing in participatory artistic practices, aim to give new momentum to the cultural fabric of their regions. During November and December, they will be publicly presented in their hometowns.
The ATOS program also includes a laboratory for experimenting with participatory artistic practices, taking place in Évora and open to professionals and enthusiasts in this field; as well as a training course, Criação de projetos artísticos participativos, held in Lisbon.
The partnership with the Alkantara Festival continues, and this year Dona Maria II presents, as part of its Lisbon programming, new creations by Mario Barrantes Espinoza (Flesh can’t can’t not’t ‘tis flesh h...) and by Stephanie Kayal and Abed Kobeissy (Galactic Crush II: Into the Cold).
In Braga, at the end of November, the event Cenários will take place — a forum for thought that seeks to reflect on culture in Portugal and the role of cultural democracy, drawing from the experiences of Odisseia Nacional, Dona Maria II‘s touring project, carried out between 2023 and 2024, and Braga 25 – Portuguese Capital of Culture.
On its website and social media, the Theatre continues to share testimonies and perspectives on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, fostering reflection on the critical moment we are collectively living through.
Cover photo: © Alípio Padilha
