A part to shake the conscience

This is “À Primeira Vista”, the sensational play by the Anglo-Australian Susie Miller, which Margarida Vila Nova fell in love with and which will premiere tomorrow at the Maria Matos Theatre in Lisbon. It was the actress who asked Thiago Guedes to direct her in this monologue that questions a legal system “created by men” and where it is difficult – if not impossible – to make the voice of those who complain about sexual violence heard.

TO CMthe director – also known (and applauded) as a director – admits that he “really enjoyed the text” and “the opportunity to do theatre again” – something he hasn’t done since 2019. “The invitation is still difficult: it’s a monologue, and I’ve never directed a monologue; and it requires a certain intimacy between the actress and the audience that is difficult to achieve in a 400-seat theatre,” the author emphasizes. The actress is worth it, whose talent and experience “are a guarantee of quality in a performance of such high demand.”

Moreover, Thiago Guedes says that as a director he is interested “in the show not becoming a banner”. “The issues that the play raises are important, but with the aim of opening a conversation and establishing bridges of dialogue, not dividing, putting people on one side of the barricade or the other,” he explains. “À Primeira Vista”, with sets by Catarina Amaro and costumes by Rita Alves, will be shown until August 10, from Thursday to Saturday at 9pm. Tickets are 20 euros.