A Groundbreaking Premiere
The play “Hécuba, Não Hécuba”, directed and written by Tiago Rodrigues, is making its debut in Portugal this Friday at the Centro Cultural de Belém (CCB) in Lisbon, following its initial performance in Avignon. This production is a collaboration between the Comédie Française and the Avignon Festival.
A Unique Narrative
The performance features a French cast with Portuguese subtitles. It intertwines the tragic story of Hécuba, the widow of Priam who lost everything after the fall of Troy, with that of a contemporary actress portraying her. The actress's personal journey runs parallel to a judicial investigation, as she seeks justice for her autistic son, who has been a victim of abuse.
The narrative is inspired by a real case of child abuse involving autistic children in Switzerland, merging this harrowing reality with the themes of justice and vulnerability present in Euripides' Hécuba.
Insight from the Director
Tiago Rodrigues shared his creative process, stating, “I create plays because I feel inspired or moved by a theme, but the purpose of the play is never that theme.” He emphasizes that the play is a result of collective presence, rather than a thesis or message.
Artistic Collaboration
The production boasts stunning set design by Fernando Ribeiro, costumes by José António Tenente, sound and music by Pedro Costa, and lighting by Rui Monteiro. The talented cast includes Éric Génovèse, Denis Podalydès, Elsa Lepoivre, Loïc Corbery, Gaël Kamilindi, Élissa Alloula, and Séphora Pondi.
Upcoming Performances
With tickets nearly sold out, the play will run again on Saturday and Sunday at the CCB. This year, “Hécuba, Não Hécuba” has already captivated audiences in Madrid and will continue its tour to Antwerp and Luxembourg, before returning to France later this month.
Tiago Rodrigues' Other Works
Tiago Rodrigues is also touring other productions, including “Catarina e a Beleza de Matar Fascistas”, which was acclaimed as one of the best shows of 2024 by major American media outlets. This play will return to Portuguese stages in Penafiel and Viseu in the coming weeks.
Additionally, Rodrigues is set to premiere his latest creation, “No Yogurt for the Dead”, in Belgium soon, with performances planned in Lisbon and Braga in February as part of the 2025 Portuguese Capital of Culture program.
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