International Puppet Festival is back to Porto Municipal Theatre from 11 to 20 October

Fifteen companies from seven countries, sixteen shows and two anniversaries are the figures for the 2019 International Puppet Festival in the Invicta, a modern theatre festival that will take to the stage of Porto Municipal Theatre (TMP) and to other locations in town, from 11 to 20 October.

This event also features performances for the younger generation.

Programme:

Em Busca do Planalto Perdido ["In Search of Lost Plateau", free translation]

Winter is approaching and two brave Egyptian vultures fear the extinction of their species. Female vultures have disappeared, and as far as they know, they are the only ones left. This is the adventure to search for the mythical Lost Plateau. The two friends, Abu and Trec find a mysterious ally, but still they have to be courageous, sharp, and mostly persevering.

Venue: Theatre Helena Sá e Costa, by Limite Zero Company

12 October, at 5pm

13 October, at 11am

Note: The session on 13 October offers Portuguese Sign Language interpretation

Bonecos de Santo Aleixo ["Puppets of Santo Aleixo", free translation]

If you have never seen the "Bonecos de Santo Aleixo" in action, you don't know what you are missing. If you have, here's the opportunity to be dazzled once again.

Acting takes place in a retable, with the miniature stage featuring cardboard scenery with its special lighting. The puppets are made of wood and cork. The music (Portuguese guitar) and the singing will be performed live.

Venue: Palácio do Bolhão, by Centro Dramático de Évora

14 October, at 9.30pm

Curtas de Papel, Osso e Fel ["Shorts on Paper, Bone and Bile", free translation]

This performance takes its inspiration from Edward Gorey, Mário-Henrique Leiria or Max Aub, to build a narrative with multiple interpretations, regarding odd daily events. Expect loads of black humour.

Venue: Rivoli, by A Tarumba Company

17 October, at 7pm

Ninho ["Nest", free translation]

This play is inspired by the poem with the same name by Miguel Torga. With an elemental plot, carefully prepared, takes the audience to a narrative that is built by chance.

Venue: Campo Alegre, by Partículas Elementares

19 October, at 4pm.