Portucale

Portucale ”recreates the period from the wedding of D. Henrique to D. Teresa to the battle of Ourique where D. Afonso Henriques is acclaimed as“ King ”by his soldiers enthusiastic about victory.
Table and stick puppets are used, which work on a mobile structure. The performances take place on top of the structure, but when transported by the three elements of the troupe, it has a cloth cover and is decorated by two gargoyles recreating a two-headed animal. Thus, a very popular symbol used at the time is used, the whole stage being disguised as a cart / animal.
Through research on illuminations and texts of the time, we reproduced two of the possible manipulation techniques that were used. The technique of "male puppets" and "table puppets". In this way we created the puppets using wood and iron, also recreating the clothes and the way of working the wood of the time so that the final result is the closest. Puppeteers also received the same attention as they are in public view. The lighting of the scenic space was also thought in the same way using candles with a thick wick. The narrative was created rigorously with respect to the events, but of course with some “touches” of humor as is usual in the company's productions, used for this sometimes the interaction between the puppeteers themselves who are in view of the public, as well as the relationship between puppets - public and puppeteer.

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Cast & Credits

Original Text: José Gil, Natacha Costa Pereira and

Sofia Olivença Vinagre

Puppet Construction: José Gil and Natacha Costa Pereira

Puppets' Costumes: Sofia Olivença Vinagre

Puppeteers' Costumes: Sofia Olivença Vinagre

Puppeteers: José Gil, Natacha Costa Pereira and

Sofia Olivença Vinagre

Scenic Structures: José Gil

Research: Sofia Olivença Vinagre

Production: S.A.Marionetas

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Technical Rider

Technique: rod puppets

Height: 3 m

Depth: 5 m

Width: 5 m

Setup: 2h00

Teardown: 1h30

Support space: 1 dressing room

Age rating: 6 years and older

Target audience: Families

Duration: 30 min. to 45 min.

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Award: "Audience's Best Show Award" - MÓ Festival Marionetas e Objectos de Oeiras - 2021