Theatrical Radio Novel Premieres in Lisbon
O Fabuloso Destino de Amália is a captivating theatrical radio novel written by journalist and music critic António Pires, presenting an engaging portrait of the iconic fado singer Amália Rodrigues. The show, true to the artist's biography, premieres in Lisbon on September 26 and 27 at the Orlando Ribeiro Library Auditorium.
The performance features three simultaneous narratives: the history of Fado narrated by a radio host, the radio novel of Amália's story read on stage by Adelmo, Carla Pires, Carla Pontes, Luanda Cozetti, Luís Pucarinho, narrated by Raquel Bulha and live sound by Carlos Norton. Additionally, there will be eleven live musical moments showcasing her hits and other musical genres represented by the characters.
O Fabuloso Destino de Amália is a community project from Alta de Lisboa, celebrating multiculturalism through Amália’s voice. The costumes, props, videos, and production are crafted by local youth and women from associations like Espaço Mundo, Sempre Ligados, and Associação de Moradores do Per 11. The project also features a newly formed group of Batucadeiras from Alta de Lisboa, participating in the performance.
The narrative unfolds on July 1, 1933, Amália’s 13th birthday, where friends gather to celebrate. As gifts are exchanged, they share humorous stories about the young singer's life and her musical influences. During the celebration, Amália reveals her greatest dream: to take Fado to every corner of the world, receiving encouragement from her friends as they join her in singing some of her iconic future songs.
The performance intersperses sounds from a radio playing the era's hits, immersing the audience in the history of Fado and its influential figures. Other musical genres that shaped Fado, such as traditional Portuguese music, Brazilian chorinho, and Cape Verdean morna and batuco, are also featured, highlighting Lisbon’s cosmopolitan and diverse culture.
Special guest Jorge Benvinda will also be part of the show, which is free to attend. An after-party with Alta de Lisboa DJs will follow both sessions. For more insights, interpretive sheets created in partnership with the Amália Foundation, musicologist João Calixto, and historian Nuno Alegria can be downloaded from the official website.
The script is adapted from António Pires’ book of the same name, filled with references to Fado, cinema, and world music, showcasing over 30 years of cultural journalism and hundreds of references in a single story.
The project is funded by the BIP/ZIP program of CML and supported by institutional partners such as the Amália Foundation, Lumiar Parish Council, and the Cape Verdean Embassy, with media partnership from Antena 1.
Artistic Credits:
Original Text: António Pires
Direction: Carlos Norton
Costumes: João Taborda
Lighting Design: João Teixeira
Sound Design: Vasco Gonçalves Ribeiro
Video: Bruno Gonçalves
Production: Associação Espaço Mundo and Sempre Ligados.
Featuring:
Adelmo (Alcindo), Carla Pires (Amália), Carla Pontes (Maria), Luanda Cozetti (Taís), Luís Pucarinho (Manuel), Raquel Bulha (Narrator), Carlos Norton (Sound), Jorge Benvinda (Banzé), Pedro Duarte (Amadeu Ramin).
Musicians: André Santos (Guitar), Tiago Morna (Portuguese Guitar), Batucadeiras from Alta.
Performance Details:
Venue: Orlando Ribeiro Library Auditorium
Dates: September 26 and 27
Time: Thursday and Friday at 21:00
Admission: Free with reservation at sempreligados.associacao@gmail.com
Age Rating: M/6
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