If, as the poet Fernando Pessoa says, we make art through dreams, then we can also dream through art. In this still somewhat different summer, Lisboa na Rua is back, reaffirming the merits of culture during a pandemic. Taking place in new spaces, safe and with access control, Lisboa na Rua will brighten up the city with music, theatre, dance, films, plastic arts, contemporary circus and lots of magic. As art is also a form of reflection, highly topical themes such as the environment, feminism and sport will be covered at this year’s Lisboa na Rua.
The programme kicks off with a percussion and vocal concert, which looks to the Atlantic from a unique perspective: the Castelo de São Jorge.
Traditions will be revived and adapted to the current context: the Iberian Mask Festival returns in a new format, with groups presenting at some of the city’s museums and monuments.
Dancing the City will make a return, proving that anywhere is good for dancing if we put our inhibitions to one side: a library, museums… With all safety precautions taken, magic will be surprising us once again in the city’s streets and parks.
Open-air cinema is back in the gardens of Museu de Lisboa – Palácio Pimenta with a very current theme: human rights in the world of sport. These gardens will also host the first show written and staged by rapper Capicua, which reminds us that environmental concerns are still as urgent as ever.
Artist Grada Kilomba will be premiering an installation that confronts us with our historical past and recalls stories and identities forgotten over time. AntiPrincesas returns too, teaching young children about the achievements of Portuguese women who made a difference to the times they lived in.
There’ll be all this and much more over the course of a month when culture doesn’t go on holiday, including photography exhibitions, videoart, contemporary circus and, of course, lots of music. All events and activities are free, with reduced capacities in accordance with current safety regulations.
