Dear followers,
Throughout the month of May, Red Cloud Teatro de Marionetas has been developing a series of initiatives that reflect its ongoing commitment to the company’s core areas of work. This year, our focus is especially on the traditional puppet forms of Europe — a theme that runs through our Educational Activities, our Creation and Touring activities, and our Motus Imago programming.
Educational Activities | Stop-Motion Animation Workshops
As part of Open City 2025, on May 10th we opened the doors of the Red Cloud Marionetas for two stop-motion animation workshops — both fully booked!
We shared insights into traditional European puppet forms, and participants created short animated sequences using characters inspired by some of the most iconic “Polichinellos”. We’ll be sharing the results of these workshops soon.
Rehearsals | New Creation 2025 – Castelo dos Fantasmas
This month has been particularly dedicated to the creative process of our new production Castelo dos Fantasmas.
On May 12th, we held an open rehearsal — an opportunity for the public to witness part of the development of the piece up close.
Synopsis:
A love story set in the winding paths of a haunted castle by the sea. In a rhythm of encounters and missed chances, Princess Rita and Roberto try to overcome terrifying ghosts.
Castelo dos Fantasmas embraces traditional routines known in Portugal and across Europe, while also weaving in memories and subtly challenging some of the conventions of traditional puppet theatre — especially Teatro Dom Roberto, which was declared part of Portugal’s intangible cultural heritage in 2021.
🌟 What’s happening now
International Tour | Cape Verde – Praia and Mindelo
Cape Verde welcomes two of our productions!
From May 26–31, Red Cloud is on international tour with performances in Praia and Mindelo.
Teatro Dom Roberto is no stranger to touring, but this marks the international debut of Bonecos [Dolls]. A special milestone that launches a new chapter for the show, now with a redesigned and travel-ready set.
Bonecos
May 28 | 18h | Centro Cultural Português, Praia
May 31 | 18h30 | Centro Cultural do Mindelo
Teatro Dom Roberto
May 26–27 | Various locations in Praia
May 30 | Centro Nacional de Arte, Artesanato e Design (Mindelo)
This tour is supported by Centro Cultural Português na Praia.
🔗 Learn more:
Bonecos [Dolls] | Teatro Dom Roberto
🌟 Coming Soon
Motus Imago | 2025 Edition Begins
The next session of the Motus Imago program is just around the corner: June 22 (Sunday) at 11:00 AM at Espaço Red Cloud Marionetas.
Show: Dona Barriga Verde
Guest artist: Larraitz Urruzola (Galicia, Spain)
Synopsis:
Dona Barriga Verde is a young girl, singer and tambourine player who, armed with wit, faces life’s challenges head-on. She overcomes fear and injustice, defends her integrity and self-respect, and takes on monsters, love, death – even the devil.
Aimed at children, youth, adults and seniors who wish to enjoy puppetry and discover the rich “cachaporra” tradition of the Iberian Peninsula, this new version of the Galician character Barriga Verde is a unique reimagining.
With a female protagonist for the first time in this European tradition, Dona Barriga Verde brings fresh perspectives on gender roles and stereotypes, renewing the forms and methods of traditional puppet theatre. It reinterprets the intangible cultural heritage of this art form that, for centuries, has helped us laugh through injustice.
🎟️ Reserve your seat here
We hope to see you soon 🙂
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The team,
Red Cloud Teatro de Marionetas
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Red Cloud Teatro de Marionetas is a structure funded by the Government of Portugal – Culture | Direção-Geral das Artes or the 2025/2026 biennium. The company’s activities are supported by the Municipality of Aveiro (Câmara Municipal de Aveiro)
