What if these walls could talk? The Teatro Politeama stands before us. It is a testament to Lisbon’s vibrant cultural history.
The Teatro Politeama was the dream of Luís António Pereira. He wanted to gift Lisbon a new performance space. Miguel Ventura Terra designed this Beaux-Arts beauty. Its foundation was laid on May 12, 1912. The grand opening took place on December 6, 1913.
The debut performance at the Teatro Politeama was the operetta “Valsa de Amor”. Cremilda de Oliveira and Sofia Santos starred. For over a century, the Teatro Politeama has hosted Portugal’s greatest talents. Revues, musicals and ballets have graced its stage.
Look closely at the facade. Notice the three coupled windows. They sit beneath a large arch. The theater’s name is proudly displayed in stonework. An attic storey features roundel windows. Plaques flank the arched entrance. They bear the words “Musica” and “Comedia”.
Step inside the Teatro Politeama. Imagine the opulent lobby. It resembles the entrance to a stately mansion. The auditorium feels like a small opera house. It features a main orchestra floor and three levels of balconies. Stage boxes add to the charm. Originally, it seated 900 as a cinema.
For a time, the Teatro Politeama served as a cinema. It began showing films in 1914. By 1928, it became a full-time movie house. After closing as a cinema, it returned to live performances. Cabaret, concerts, and musical productions fill its calendar.
The Teatro Politeama adjoins the Olimpia Cinema at the rear. Its location is prime. It sits in the Baixa area on Rua das Portas de Santo Antão. It’s across from the Museum of the Lisbon Geographical Society. The Coliseu dos Recreios concert hall is also nearby.
Since the end of the 20th century, the Teatro Politeama has been a stage for musical pieces. These are created and directed by Filipe La Féria.
The Teatro Politeama is more than just a building. It is a cultural landmark. It has been classified as a Public Interest Building since 2002. Its walls hold stories of dreams. It is a story of talent. It is a story of Lisbon’s enduring love for the arts. As you leave the Teatro Politeama, remember its legacy. It continues to inspire and entertain.