By Heart

A leading figure of a combative generation of young Portuguese artists, Tiago Rodrigues puts memory to work in gently subversive theatre. The charismatic actor works onstage with a community of poetic resistance that provides resounding proof of the power of art. A living antidote for collective amnesia.

Tiago Rodrigues shares a very personal story. Before going blind, his grandmother entrusted him with choosing one last book that she would then read and learn by heart. Thus began a persistent quest where the intimate and private encounter political and literary history. Would the astounding force of words allow her to resist oblivion? 10 spectators join Rodrigues and memorize, under his guidance, a Shakespearean sonnet. Profoundly generous, his teaching extends far beyond the poem. Surrounded by participants, he urgently develops a metaphor for human transmission of knowledge. Bound to the great chain of literature by an act of optimism and faith, a collective emerges, ever vibrant.

PRODUCED BY TEATRO NACIONAL DONA MARIA II (LISBON) AFTER AN ORIGINAL CREATION BY MUNDO PERFEITO
CREATED AND PERFORMED BY TIAGO RODRIGUES
WRITTEN BY TIAGO RODRIGUES WITH EXCERPTS AND QUOTES BY RAY BRADBURY + JOSEPH BRODSKY + GEORGE STEINER + WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
APROPS AND COSTUME DESIGN MAGDA BIZARRO
PRODUCTION MANAGER MAGDA BIZARRO
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER RITA MENDES
TECHNICAL SUPPORT AMARÍLIS FELIZES

COPRODUCTION MARIA MATOS TEATRO MUNICIPAL (LISBONNE) + O ESPAÇO DO TEMPO (MONTEMOR-O-NOVO)
PRESENTED IN ASSOCIATION WITH HYATT REGENCY MONTRÉAL + FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL DE LA LITTÉRATURE (FIL) + CINQUIÈME SALLE + CARREFOUR INTERNATIONAL DE THÉÂTRE (QUÉBEC)

WRITTEN BY JESSIE MILL
TRANSLATED BY NEIL KROETSCH

PREMIERED AT TEATRO MARIA MATOS, LISBON, ON NOVEMBER 20, 2013