Creations

In the dual format of performative exhibition – through a device that unfolds into an exhibition of costumes, illustrations and photographs and which, when activated, unfolds into a festive performance – CHIMERA’S FEST revisits the archive of Visões Úteis (1994-2024) from its most iconic “theatrical wardrobe of characters and costumes,” for a recreation in hybrid objects and with a double projection: sculptures that contemplate each other and costumes that perform.

The project is based on post-dramatic theories and practices surrounding the performative and agency power of costume, starting from the materials it works with and the meanings it operates on, between the body and the composition that clothes it, and the effect of this assemblage on the stage and the audience.

We invite partner performers - students from the theatre course at the Escola Superior e Artística do Porto - to a collaborative and experimental game where "young bodies" meet "ancient fabrics" in a cycle of performative activations of the chimera collection.

The exploratory sessions with nearby communities brought other perspectives and perceptions about the VU's archival materials, enriching the process, namely: users of the Centro Paroquial e Social Nossa Senhora do Calvário, the children of the Escola Básica das Flores and the community group from Casa da Pertença.

Rescued from the archive—the theatrical closet where costumes from other times rest—the Chimeras return, now renewed. Between shadows and flashes of light, they dance diversity and reclaim the labyrinth as a territory of encounter and party, where each unsubmissive body opens a new path and each living gesture is an act of celebration.

Chimera’s Fest is a project directed by set and costume designer Inês de Carvalho, promoted by Visões Úteis in partnership with Casa São Roque and with the support of the Criatório Program of the Porto City Council.

Location: Casa São Roque (Rua de São Roque da Lameira 2092, 4350-307 Porto)

Exhibition opening: March 19 / 6pm

Exhibition: March 20th to 29th / from 12pm to 6pm - except Tuesday the 24th (closed)

Performative activation: Friday, Saturday and Sunday / March 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 and 29 / at 3:30 pm

Free entry
 

artistic direction and creation Inês de Carvalho archive consulting and co-dramaturgy Ana Vitorino sound design Vasco Zentzua performers students of the Theatre Course of Escola Superior Artística do Porto, under the supervision of Lecturer Luísa Pinto: Alita Maia, Amanda Duda, Beatriz Ruela, Bruno Sousa, Guilherme Palha, José Valente, Lalu Barbas, Letícia Arlandis, Matilde Bryton, Rita Ribeiro and Theo exhibition stand builder Josué Maia costume maker Nuno Queirós exhibition setup Miguel Ângelo Marques communication design Sara Allen video recording Sara Allen and Alexandra Allen production coordination Cláudia Alfaiate executive production Margarida Barreiros Feijó

participants in the exploratory artistic sessions students of the 4th year of Escola Básica das Flores, users of the Centro Social e Paroquial Nossa Sra. do Calvário and the community of Casa da Pertença partnership Casa São Roque with the support of Criatório Program of Porto City Municipality

thank you to Sr. Adriano, Ana Lúcia Sousa, Carolina Miranda, Carol, Cláudia Rodrigues, Daniela Fernandes, Filipa Luz, Hugo Martins, Isabel Rute, Jandira Figueira, Jaqueline, João Maria André, Julieta Vaz, Profª Luísa Antunes, Prof.ª Maria, Profª Mónica Aroso, Prof.ª Patrícia, Ricardo Seiça Salgado, Susan Marshall, Susana Neves, Teatro de Marionetas do Porto