Playwright and director Tiago Torres da Silva premieres his new stage production 'Imitação dos Pássaros' at the Teatro Variedades in Lisbon on Wednesday.
The play examines generational silences, complex family secrets, and digital isolation in modern society, featuring acclaimed Portuguese actress Lídia Franco in a prominent role.
Torres da Silva explained that the story focuses on unique family dynamics and long-held secrets that, once brought to light, trigger new behaviors across younger generations. He said the drama presents a narrative with which audiences can easily identify.
Teatro Variedades, located in the historic Parque Mayer theatre district of Lisbon, hosts the new production by Torres da Silva, who is also widely recognized as a prominent songwriter. Over his career, he has written songs for major musical artists including Maria Bethânia, Ney Matogrosso, Seu Jorge, Chico César, Zeca Baleiro, Gisela João, Mafalda Arnauth, and Carminho.
Generational Divide and Digital Isolation
Addressing what he described as an illusion of modern times, Torres da Silva noted that despite constant communication through the internet and social networks, people are significantly lonelier today than when they spoke face to face. He observed that relationships between generations are more difficult because everything moves much faster, creating a wide gap between parents and children, as well as between grandparents and grandchildren.
The author also raised concerns about giving a voice to those who are not always heard, questioning what society has created for older people to stay active when medicine has enabled life to last until 90 or 100 years. In this context, he highlighted the special significance of Lídia Franco in the cast, confessing that it was moving for him to see her on stage at her age with such enthusiasm. He added that this force and desire to live is what he hopes to pass on to the audience, noting that sometimes the will to live is the most important thing.
Performance Schedule
'Imitação dos Pássaros' runs at Teatro Variedades until October 25. Performances take place from Wednesday through Saturday at 9:00 pm, with Sunday shows scheduled for 4:00 pm.
