Welcome back to FIMP, the Puppet Theatre artistic triumph in Porto

"This year FIMP reaches an important hallmark: it celebrates its 30th edition. A festival devoted to puppets and animated form. FIMP's relationship with the city and its institutions is, thus, invaluable".

These were Mayor Rui Moreira's words at the official presentation of 2019 FIMP's programme, held at Rivoli, earlier today.

It's been 30 years that FIMP- Porto International Puppet Show sets the standard internationally when it comes to the puppet art world. The FIMP 2019s edition is no exception, featuring "a programme of 16 performances, one concert, two workshops, a festival own intellectual creation jointly with Balleteatro, in a total of 37 presentations" announced FIMP artistic director Igor Gandra.

FIMP programme includes troupes from Portugal, Belgium, Canada, England, France and Germany. 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.

The ten-day event runs from 11 to 20 October at Porto Municipal Theatre - Rivoli and Campo Alegre, National Theatre São João, Theatre Helena Sá e Costa and Palácio do Bolhão.

It should be highlighted that due to the support by Porto City Hall, the entire FIMP is now economically viable, as state subsidies have been cancelled. News from public funding are expected to surface anytime now.

Teatro de Marionetas do Porto was created in September 1988, the same date in which the company was presented at the official selection of the Festival Mondial des Théâtres de Marionnettes, in Charleville-Mézières.

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.

Check here for further information.