Casanova in Lisbon is a theatrical adaptation of the epistolary novel “Cartas de Casanova Lisboa 1757” by António Mega Ferreira.
Casanova visits Lisbon two years after the earthquake. He discovers a Capital still in ruins and whose inhabitants, strangely enough, seem accommodated to the adversities caused by the earthquake. Surprised by the delay in the reconstruction work and the lavish tents of the court set up in Belém, Casanova writes letters to various friends, lovers and family members. In these letters he describes the terrifying scenario facing the residents of Lisbon, as well as the idiosyncrasies of a people and a rising bourgeoisie. And inevitably he also describes his romantic adventures that took him to Ranholas and the Odivelas Convent to play the violin.
The play is based on the crossing of several stage languages: 18th century music by the Lisbon Metropolitan Orchestra conducted by Marcos Magalhães; the actors André Gomes and Marcello Urgeghe who conduct the narrative of Casanova’s incursion to the Portuguese capital; the soprano Ana Quintans, who plays the several female characters whose lives were shattered by the earthquake.
Rien ne pourra faire que je me sois amusé – is Casanova’s motto and also the motto of this show.
Casanova in Lisbon
From Cartas de Casanova Lisboa: 1757 by António Mega Ferreira
Lisbon Metropolitan Orchestra
Marcos Magalhães harpsichord and musical direction
Marcello Urgeghe Casanova (sender of the letters)
André Gomes Senhor de Bernis/Cecco/Matteo de Bragadin (letter recipients)
Ana Quintans Ana Margarida/D. Madalena/Ana Mafalda/Inês de Cantillana
Carla Bolito direction and adaptation
Ricardo Preto costumes
Manuel Abrantes light design
Kimberley Ribeiro choreography
Alípio Padilha photography
Bernardo Vilhena / Estado Zero executive production
