Rua Larga #58
Rua Larga #58
Universidade de Coimbra
The passage from Politics (1253a) in which Aristotle argues that the human being is a “political animal” (zoon politikon) is well known, i.e. an entity that finds its natural fulfilment in existing in a community (polis) and sharing common goals. It also distinguishes itself by being able to articulate sound in a more complex way, a characteristic that allows it to elevate the use of the voice to the heights of a complex discourse (logos). This is one of the most paradigmatic founding texts of political theorising and it underlines the close relationship between building communities of active citizens and the use of voice as a guarantee of freedom of expression and action.
The celebration, in 2024, of the 50th anniversary of the April Revolution is a milestone of the utmost importance, which merges with the University’s own history and its tradition of defending causes that structure freedom and democracy. With the simple expression “I ask to speak”, a young student of the Coimbra Academy indelibly marked the challenge to a regime, paving the way to hope and equality. By doing so, Coimbra freed the voices that had been silenced and the Voice of the Revolution emerged from them.
By choosing “Voice” as the theme for the XXVI Cultural Week, the aim is to give equal voice to the polyphony of feelings, perspectives of analysis and artistic expressions that make up the immense richness and complexity of the human being. To say it loud and clear, in the words of Zeca Afonso:
“SINCE THEN BEATING IN MY CHEST IN SECRET I FEEL A VOICE SAYING INSIST, INSIST WITHOUT FEAR.”
For far too long, the blue pencil was a graphic and visual synonym for a gagging censorship, ready to silence any voice contrary to that imposed by the Dictatorship. Inspired by the iconic photograph of Zeca Afonso, in the graphic image that identifies this XXVI Cultural Week, the blue pencil that tries to silence that Voice is interrupted by the arm that, rising high, shows its red carnation, strongly synonymous with the Freedom that has been achieved.
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2024
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