A Viagem Artificial Brings Theatre and Reflection to the Entire Azores Archipelago

APCA – Agency for the Promotion of Atlantic Culture, in co-production with ADCA – Agency for the Development of Culture in Azores, presents A Viagem Artificial, a contemporary theatre production inspired by Raúl Brandão’s As Ilhas Desconhecidas (The Unknown Islands). The production begins a tour of all the islands of the Azores on 4 February, starting on São Miguel.

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The confrontation with the invisible and the ethereal that permeate the artist's daily life is the starting point for 'Carga Aérea', a pseudonym that gives body to Francisco Marujo's spectral reveries, oscillating between the most serene and nostalgic and the most intense fringes of pain. 

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Drawing on Raúl Brandão’s literary journey through the Atlantic archipelagos, A Viagem Artificial offers a critical reflection on island identity and on the ways in which the imaginary of islands has been constructed over time. The performance challenges idealised or fixed notions of insularity, addressing themes such as memory, territory, belonging and transformation, while taking a close look at the contemporary and future challenges facing island territories.

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Through a contemporary theatrical approach, the production understands insularity as a cultural, social and political condition that is constantly being constructed and redefined, bringing together literature, theatre and technology. Conceived for theatre venues, the production offers a fully developed artistic experience suitable for both cultural and educational settings.

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The staging is built around a direct relationship between actor Edmundo Rosa and the audience, incorporating theatrical and technological devices that encourage active participation, listening and engagement, with particular attention to younger audiences. Technology functions as a tool for mediation and dialogue, enabling real-time interaction and encouraging critical thinking.

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A Viagem Artificial thus reaffirms theatre as a space for encounter, reflection and exchange, where artistic creation, education and citizenship come together, reinforcing the role of the performing arts in educational and community contexts.

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The production will tour all the islands of both the Azores and Madeira archipelagos, promoting decentralised access to contemporary artistic creation and highlighting the importance of regional cultural venues. In the Azores, the tour will run from 4 February on São Miguel to 22 April on Flores, encompassing every island in the archipelago. Dates for the Madeira archipelago are currently being scheduled and will be announced shortly.

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A Viagem Artificial establishes itself as an artistic and educational project that promotes active participation, critical reflection and equitable access to culture, contributing to cultural and territorial cohesion in Portugal’s island communities.

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Technical Credits

Co-production:

APCA – Agency for the Promotion of Atlantic Culture
ADCA – Agency for the Development of Culture in Azores

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Written and directed by: Sara Gonçalves
Cast: Edmundo Rosa
Voice-over: Sara Gonçalves
Costume and Props Design: Rita Álvares Pereira
Video and Lighting Design: Cristina Piedade
Sound Design: Fernando Chainço

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Supported by:
Portuguese Republic – Culture, Youth and Sport / Directorate-General for the Arts
Government of the Azores

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Partners:
University of the Azores; Ponta Delgada City Council; Ponta Delgada 26 – Portuguese Capital of Culture; Teatro Ribeiragrandense; Ribeira Grande City Council; Santa Maria Museum, Municipality of Vila do Porto; Graciosa Cultural Centre; Santa Cruz da Graciosa City Council; Teatro Angrense / Angra do Heroísmo City Council; Velas Municipal Auditorium / Municipality of Velas; Lajes do Pico Municipal Auditorium / Municipality of Lajes do Pico; Teatro Faialense / Municipality of Horta; Corvo Ecomuseum; and Santa Cruz das Flores Municipal Auditorium / Santa Cruz das Flores City Council.