Lagos will host the second edition of Encontros Gymnasium – Performing for Young Audiences from October 13 to 17, bringing five days of theatre, dance, music, cinema and interactive workshops to venues across the city.
Organised by cultural association casaBranca, the biennial event aims to introduce children and young people to contemporary performing arts while encouraging creativity, curiosity and participation.
All activities are free, although advance registration is required.
The programme takes place at several locations, including the Lagos Cultural Centre, Lagos Youth Centre, Dr. Júlio Dantas Municipal Library, Anel Verde Park and Bensafrim Primary School.
Encontros Gymnasium builds on casaBranca’s longstanding educational project, which has been working with schools in Lagos for more than a decade, introducing pupils to different artistic disciplines and creative experiences.
Theatre, dance and imagination
The programme opens on Tuesday, October 13, with Espanto, a theatre and music performance by Ana Madureira and Vahan Kerovpyan at the Lagos Cultural Centre.
Featuring a scarecrow and a crow, the production explores themes of freedom, authority and the unknown through storytelling and music.
Also on October 13, É Bom Mandar? (Is It Good to Be in Charge?), by Catarina Requeijo and Inês Barahona of Formiga Atómica, invites children to explore democracy, power and decision-making through an interactive experience.
On October 14, musician and storyteller Sérgio Pelágio presents Contos Baralhados (Jumbled Tales) at Bensafrim Primary School, combining guitar music with a collection of short, imaginative stories.
The following day, October 15, actress Cláudia Gaiolas brings Antiprincesas – Frida Kahlo to Anel Verde Park, introducing younger audiences to the life and artistic legacy of the celebrated Mexican painter.
The programme also includes a screening of The Gleaners and I, a documentary by French filmmaker Agnès Varda exploring the practice of collecting discarded or leftover materials.
On October 16, the Dr. Júlio Dantas Municipal Library hosts As Coisas Lá de Casa (Things from Around the House), an animated film by José Miguel Ribeiro that brings everyday household objects to life.
Later that day, choreographer Henrique Furtado Vieira presents Diálogos at the Lagos Cultural Centre, combining movement, conversation and memories in a performance exploring human relationships.
Open Day brings families together
The Encontros festival concludes on Saturday, October 17, with an Open Day at the Lagos Cultural Centre, offering performances, hands-on workshops, music and a community lunch.
The programme is designed to encourage children and adults to experience art together, with activities catering for different ages and interests.
Among the highlights is Dentro da Cabeça (Inside the Head), a performance by Márcia Lança that takes audiences on a playful journey through thoughts, emotions, imagination and the senses.
The show will be presented twice during the morning, allowing families to combine it with one of two creative workshops.
Musician João Silva will lead TRRRRR!, a sound exploration workshop for children aged eight to 12 and adults, showing participants how to transform everyday objects into small electroacoustic instruments using simple electronic components.
For younger children aged four to seven, dancer Beatriz Marques Dias will present Impressionante ou Impressão Minha?, combining dance, painting and movement inspired by Impressionist art.
Another highlight is Concerto para uma Árvore (Concerto for a Tree), by musician Fernando Mota, an all-ages performance that uses natural materials and elements of the landscape to create music.
The Open Day concludes with a community lunch at 1.30pm, providing an opportunity for artists, families and visitors to come together.
Free admission with registration
Produced by casaBranca, with funding from Portugal’s Directorate-General for the Arts and Lagos Municipal Council, Encontros Gymnasium aims to strengthen connections between artistic creation, education and the local community.
The event also involves partnerships with local schools, cultural institutions and arts organisations.
All activities are free, subject to advance registration.
The full programme is available on the Encontros Gymnasium website.
Families wishing to attend the October 17 Open Day can register through the online registration form.