The D. Maria II National Theater (TNDM II) is promoting another edition of its thought program, Cenários, on November 27 and 28 in Braga. The event, which will take place at Theatro Circo and gnration, with free admission upon prior registration, is part of the Braga 25 Portuguese Capital of Culture program.
Cenários is a crucial moment for reflection and debate, bringing together the experiences and lessons learned from the cultural decentralization project Odisseia Nacional do D. Maria II (started in 2023) and the Portuguese Capital of Culture initiative in Braga, created by the Portuguese government and covering the other two cities shortlisted for the European Capital of Culture 2027, Aveiro and Ponta Delgada. This year, the focus is precisely on how Braga has interpreted this project, with a program that celebrates the dialogue between national artistic creation and the possibilities of connection with Europe. Cenários also proposes a reflection on the diagnoses and perspectives resulting from the two years of TNDM II’s journey, while also observing other fundamental issues for the future of art and culture in Portugal.
The opening session, on November 27, at 10:30 a.m., in the Small Auditorium of Theatro Circo, will be attended by figures such as João Rodrigues (Mayor of Braga), Rui Catarino (Chairman of the Board of Directors of TNDM II), and Joana Fernandes (Board of Directors of Faz Cultura). Over the course of two days, various panel discussions will address topics such as Braga 25 Portuguese Capital of Culture, with experts such as Cristina Farinha and José Alberto Ferreira (Évora’27), and the “National Odyssey,” which will feature regional artistic directors such as Cátia Terrinca and Fátima Alçada. Other essential debates include “National Culture,” which will feature Ana Feijó da Cunha, Mónica Guerreiro, and Sara Barros Leitão, “Territorial Equity,” and the relationship between “Art and Technology.” The first day will end with a gathering on “Participatory Processes” at the Municipal Market of Braga. The 28th includes a Youth Forum and a reflection meeting, “Create, Program, Mediate,” dedicated exclusively to cultural agents from the North region.
The program also includes the screening of the documentary Cartografia do Encontro and the show A Vida Secreta dos Velhos by Mohamed El Khatib. All debate sessions, discussions, and the screening of the documentary will have Portuguese Sign Language (LGP) interpretation.
The complete program can be found through this link.