Theatre projects bring social capital to communities in Porto

The national Theatre of São João (TNSJ) has created a school project targeted at elementary, high school and professional teaching students, as well as college students to boost the role of theatre and performance in society.

Art can change the way we live our lives, it raises awareness on topical issues and it also positions our behaviour relative to others. In a global world, where boundaries are almost non-existing on account of the digital era we live in, making it necessary to rethink the values of Humanity, the relationship of theatre to human society is key.

In this framework, TNSJ has established this initiative, in which students and teachers will be engaged in the work of Gil Vicente, namely the "Act of Glory" in king D. Manuel I court. They will be challenged to organise theatre clubs and set up a show.

Gil Vicente was a Portuguese playwright and poet who acted in and directed his own plays. He is considered the chief dramatist of Portugal and he is often referred to as the "Father of Portuguese drama".

All theatre clubs will work under the guidance of the TNSJ Educational Theatre, as of November and the premieres are scheduled for March 2019.

This initiative pictures the significance that Porto's institutions award to culture, namely the social capital brought to communities as a result of the existence of arts.