The piece "Santo António, the Matchmaker of Lisbon" premiered this Thursday. The work addresses the city of Lisbon and the transformations the Portuguese capital has been facing in recent decades.
In an interview, director Ruben Alves spoke about the central themes of the piece, including the gentrification that has affected the city. Alves expressed concerns about Lisbon's future, suggesting the city risks becoming a mere museum, losing its authenticity and identity.
During the conversation, the director also addressed cultural and social issues, mentioning the tension between local traditions and the new influences that have arrived in the city. The reference to "galões vs. iced lattes" symbolizes the conflict between traditional Lisbon habits and new imported trends, which according to the director represent a change in the city's way of life.
