Associação Teatro Construção

In the heart of Joane, a small town nestled in Vila Nova de Famalicão, stands Associação Teatro Construção, a testament to the power of community and the enduring spirit of the arts. Did you know that it all began with a group of young people, mostly from the Catholic Workers’ Youth, who shared a love for theatre? Back in 1972, they embarked on a journey that would shape the cultural landscape of their town, sowing the seeds for what would become the Associação Teatro Construção. In 1975, their passion bore fruit with the staging of three plays for adults: “The Great Statue”, “Man Machine”, and “Worker Under Construction”. The latter, inspired by Vinicius de Moraes, ultimately gave the theatre its name, Teatro Construção. The year 1977 marked a turning point. The group formally established themselves as the Associação Teatro Construção, even securing their own space in Joane. This was no small feat given the prevailing conservative atmosphere of the time. They persevered, staging new plays and carving out a space for cultural expression. Associação Teatro Construção is more than just a theatre. It’s a social institution deeply woven into the fabric of the community. In 1980, they expanded their reach to include a kindergarten, a much-needed service in Joane. This was followed by the establishment of a leisure activity center and a day center for the elderly. Associação Teatro Construção continued to grow. In 1982, they began a professional theatre program for elementary school children. This initiative, supported by partnerships with local municipalities, continues to this day. The Associação Teatro Construção’s dedication to the arts is evident in their annual theatre festivals. Started in 1978, these festivals have brought some of Portugal’s finest theatre companies to Joane and Vila Nova de Famalicão. Names like A Barraca, Casa da Comédia, Seiva Trupe, and Teatro Experimental do Porto have graced their stage. Today, Associação Teatro Construção boasts a modern cultural center, inaugurated in 1996. This center, with its 204-seat auditorium and various multi-purpose rooms, hosts a wide array of events, from film screenings and exhibitions to debates and conferences. It also houses a branch of the Vila Nova de Famalicão Municipal Library. From its humble beginnings as a theatre group, Associação Teatro Construção has blossomed into a vibrant cultural hub, enriching the lives of generations and serving as a source of pride for the community.