Companhia Instável has invited Clara Andermatt to take on the challenge proposed by Teatro Municipal de Vila Real: a new creation inspired by the universe of the Pauliteiros de Miranda.
Rooted in the so-called “sword dance,” the Pauliteiros de Miranda are one of the most emblematic traditional expressions of northeastern Trás-os-Montes, with strong warrior, religious, and ritual elements. Since April 2025, the Ritual Dances of the Pauliteiros during the Traditional Festivities of Miranda do Douro have been included in Portugal’s National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
DO TERREIRO AO MUNDO
It is dance that crosses through time.
The steps trace bonds of faith, struggle, and craft.
In the striking and in the silence of the sticks, we hear echoes from beyond the hills.
What begins in the square expands outward, in body and memory, moving forward, becoming change and a living force.
It is here.
— Clara Andermatt
» SCHEDULED PERFORMANCES
Premiere: September 13 — Teatro Municipal de Vila Real
September 26: Centro Cultural de Lagos (Co-producer)
Artistic Credits
Artistic Direction and Choreography CLARA ANDERMATT | Performers / Creative Collaborators AFONSO CUNHA, DEEOGO OLIVEIRA, NOEL QUINTELA, SÉRGIO COBOS, TIAGO MANUEL SOARES, TIAGO MIGUEL | Musical and Sound Composition LUÍS PEDRO MADEIRA and CLARA ANDERMATT | Artistic Assistance and Rehearsal Director VERA SANTOS | Lighting Design PEDRO CABRAL | Props and Costumes GABRIELA GOMES | Sound Design and Operation HENRIQUE LOPES | Interns BEATRIZ MIGUEL CORREIA, INÊS ALVES | Production COMPANHIA INSTÁVEL | Executive Production BELISA BRANÇAS, RITA SANTOS | Acknowledgments ADÉRITO ARAÚJO, AMÉLIA BENTES, HELENA GENÉSIO, JOANA LOPES, MÁRIO CORREIA, PEDRO FERREIRA / PAULITEIROS DE MIRANDA (PALAÇOULO), NAPOLEÃO RIBEIRO | A commission by Teatro Municipal de Vila Real, in co-production with Companhia Instável and Centro Cultural de Lagos | Instável – Centro Coreográfico is supported by República Portuguesa – Cultura, Juventude e Desporto / Direção- Geral das Artes | Age ratting 6 years and up | Duration 60 minutes (approx.)