A Passarola

Continuing the partnership with the José Saramago Foundation, which began with the creation of the show A Viagem do Elefante, Trigo Limpo Teatro ACERT returns to the work of José Saramago, more specifically his novel Memorial do Convento, in which the author fictionalises historical figures and the Passarola (a type of airship). This was an invention of Father Bartolomeu de Gusmão, who pursued the dream of flying during the days of the Portuguese Inquisition.

In the novel, this visionary priest believes that the “machine to walk on air” he imagined will allow men to fly. However, in order to build it and for it to be able to cross the skies, it will need the strength of Baltasar Sete-sóis, the music of Domenico Scarlatti and the powers of Blimunda Sete-lunas, who can collect human desires which will lift up the Passarola above the Earth, like ether. The show brings us closer to the man who became known as the “flying priest”. Based on Saramago’s fictional narrative, Trigo Limpo Teatro ACERT will build another gigantic stage prop, the Passarola, and create a dramaturgy centred on the moments best suited to theatre in the story of the construction, journey and tragic end of the “air-walking machine”. A journey through the ideas and concepts of a novel that combines the megalomania and selfishness of the powerful with the imagination and inventiveness of visionaries and the strength and ingenuity of simple people.

With dramaturgy by Pompeu José and Raquel Costa and staging by Pompeu José, the production will feature the whole cast and technical team at Trigo Limpo teatro ACERT, as well as local participants attending the “Passarola” Workshops at Fundação José Saramago from 30 August to 3 September (enrolments open on 12 August, limited to 40 participants.

In partnership with the José Saramago Foundation.

Free admission/no booking required
Over 6s
Length: 60 mins