Joana Manuel

In the mid-90s, while the shadow of the millennium bug and the consequent end of times can already be seen, a deeply religious family believes that the biblical prophecy that foresees the return of Jesus to Earth will be fulfilled in the womb of their youngest daughter.

A theatre having national as part of its name, at the top of a square, reflecting a country’s history. But which one? This is a voyage through the various narratives about D. Maria II National Theatre, forged through the intentions of the several regimes that intended to convey their own ideologies within the theatre’s mission. This is also the story of those who fought against it, opposed the institution and became part of it. How can one become heir of these stories, even if never having set foot inside.

In the week leading up to her company’s premiere of Giselle, Lena, the understudy to the lead role, struggles to meet the demands of the performance. Seeking escape, she spends a night with friends on the outskirts of the city. As a rave gradually transforms into a forest haunted by echoes of the ballet’s second act, Lena confronts a version of herself still trapped beneath the spotlight.

Jô is kicked out of home by his father on his birthday. Having no place to go, he takes refuge in the terrace of Rose, who just lost her husband.

Cruzeiro Seixas lives in a maze where every path leads to Mário Cesariny. Subdued by that obsessive love and hate relationship, Cruzeiro Seixos did not fully live, but left proofs of that non-existence: 95 years of paintings and poetry that await full recognition alongside other surrealist masters.

A romance comedy about a nonconformist couple of young parents who, looking for a solution to their fragile financial situation, is involved in an innocent and crazy scheme.

Mirene and André are a heterosexual couple struggling with infertility issues. Carl and Vicente are a homosexual couple undergoing an experimental procedure in order to have a biological child.

In a time preceding the Carnation Revolution, we meet two men: one young, one old. One is fleeing the country, and the other helps him escape through Trás-os-Montes. While they make “the leap,” they speak about their lives and their troubles… This is an ode to those who fought for Freedom, and to these fifty springs that have passed. Throughout 13 performed songs, we travel across the country, hand in hand with several Portuguese people who tells us their stories through music, until we get back to this young man who runs away and returns to Lisbon, shortly after the Revolution, to reunite with his loved ones and live in freedom.