Between 1 March and 2 May, the Municipality of Vila Nova de Famalicão is promoting the 19th edition of the Terras de Camilo Amateur Theatre Festival, an initiative that reaffirms its commitment to promoting amateur theatre based on Camilo's legacy. This March, the festival will take place mainly in the Auditorium of the Camilo Studies Centre - Casa de Camilo, in São Miguel de Seide, but also in the António Gomes Auditorium, in Avidos, bringing together companies and groups from different parts of the country.
The official opening is scheduled for 1 March at 4 pm in São Miguel de Seide, with the presentation of ‘Fanny Owen’ by Bai'o Teatro, directed by Ana Paula Pinto and Rafael Pereira. The show revisits the literary universe of Camilo Castelo Branco, evoking his bicentenary and combining literature, emotion and history in a narrative marked by impossible loves and tragic destinies.
Throughout this month, the festival presents a diverse programme, including comedies, puppet theatre, popular narratives and shows for different audiences. Highlights include “Vilma, a musical comedy in times of war” by Grupo Casca de Nós on International Women's Day, “Devil's Clay” by Teatro de Balugas, and “Leandro, King of Helíria” by Orfeão da Madalena on Amateur Theatre Day.
World Theatre Day, celebrated on 27 March, will feature two shows: ‘Bzzzoira Moira’ by Teatro e Marionetas de Mandrágora, and ‘Enlisted in the Force’ by Plebeus Avintenses. The programme also includes productions such as ‘Mateus’ Wine Cellar’ by Greculeme and ‘The Widow... almost got married’ by URATE, among other proposals that highlight the vitality and creativity of the amateur theatre movement.
At the same time, there will be theatre workshops entitled “Art and Freedom”, led by teacher Ana Azevedo, promoting training, participation and community involvement.
Organised by the Municipality of Vila Nova de Famalicão, in co-organisation with GRUTACA - Grupo de Teatro Amador Camiliano, the Terras de Camilo Amateur Theatre Festival has established itself as one of the most important events dedicated to amateur theatre, contributing to the preservation of Camilo's memory and the strengthening of Famalicão's cultural identity.
