Rheumatic diseases are the leading cause of disability in Europe and affect more than 100 million people. Although they are often associated with older age, they also affect many young people and people of working age. They are the main occupational diseases, accounting for 60 per cent of work-related illnesses. Worldwide, one in every hundred people suffers from one of these illnesses and they are 3 to 4 times more prevalent in women.
In the summer of 2024, we carried out a series of interviews with people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases, and with health professionals at the Rheumatology Service of the ULS Coimbra where they are treated. The aim was to gather first-person accounts of the experience and impact of these chronic diseases, many of which are autoimmune and, in many cases, extremely limiting.
We heard stories about rheumatoid arthritis, systemic sclerosis, fibromyalgia and osteoporosis, among others. We realised the delicate balance that has to be struck between the progression and limitations brought on by the disease and the quest to maintain quality of life and enjoy moments of satisfaction.
+INFO
Cerca de São Bernardo Theatre | Coimbra
12 march 2025 | 9:30pm
13 march 2025 | 7:00pm
14 march 2025 | 9:30pm
15 march 2025 | 9:30pm
16 march 2025 | 4:00pm *
Age rating | +12
Running time | approx. 120m
Tickets | Ticketline (10€ / 5€ students, arts professionals, under 30 years old, over 65 years old)
* Includes audio description and Portuguese sign language interpretation.
* After this session there will be an informal talk open to the public.
This link contains a PDF with texts written by professionals from the ULS Coimbra / FMUC Rheumatology Service and the Coimbra Rheumatology Association, which are related to the creation of this show.
Playbill
Coping with a chronic illness emphasises examples of overcoming, of invoking extraordinary forces, of obstinacy in the face of involuntary circumstances, and of the stubborn attempt to grasp and enjoy the fleeting moments of happiness that punctuate our lives here and there.
The etymological origin of the word disease lies in the Latin word dolentia, which means to feel pain. And the feeling of pain is very present in chronic rheumatic diseases. Pain is something you live with and try to alleviate. It’s impossible to feel someone else’s pain. Each person’s pain is unique and non-transferable.
This show is driven by the idea of translating pain. In it we represent different situations and circumstances related to rheumatic diseases, with the aim of bringing them closer to the audience. We were guided by the idea of seeking happiness, and an unusual conclusion we came to was that pain and happiness are compatible.
One of the aims of the show is to raise social awareness of these diseases and their impact. We believe that sharing themes such as this one, linked to the Health Sciences, in a theatrical context contributes to clarification, a gain in awareness and in-depth reflection, which improves the social and personal circumstances in which these diseases occur.
Discussion and Ideas Beatriz Boleto, Carolina Costa Andrade, Danilo Pinto, Francisca Moreira, Inês Dias, Laetitia Morais, Marcelo dos Reis, Mário Montenegro, Pedro Andrade
Text Beatriz Boleto, Carolina Costa Andrade, Inês Dias, Maria José Pessoa, Mário Montenegro
Direction Mário Montenegro
Cast Beatriz Boleto, Carolina Costa Andrade, Inês Dias
Technical Direction and Lighting Design Danilo Pinto
Set Design and Image Pedro Andrade
Wardrobe Cláudia Ribeiro
Video Laetitia Morais
Music and Sound Design Marcelo dos Reis
Hair Design Carlos Gago – Ilídio Design CabeleireirosInterpretação LGP Jéssica Ferreira, Joana Sousa
Audio Description* Catarina Sobral, Emanuel Rodrigues
Production Direction and Photography Francisca Moreira
Executive Production Silvia Carballo, Vicente Paredes
Communication Carolina Costa Andrade, Ricardo Jerónimo
Promotional Video Tiago Cerveira
Video Registry João Cunha
Co-production
Marionet | Teatro da Cerca de São Bernardo
Partner entities
A.R.Co. — Associação de Reumatologia de Coimbra | Serviço de Reumatologia ULS Coimbra / FMUC
With the support of
República Portuguesa — Cultura / Direção-Geral das Artes | Câmara Municipal de Coimbra | EULAR European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology | SPR — Sociedade Portuguesa de Reumatologia | Liga Portuguesa Contra as Doenças Reumáticas | APPSREUMA — Associação Portuguesa de Profissionais de Saúde em Reumatologia | MAFIA — Federação Cultural de Coimbra | Teatro Académico de Gil Vicente | Ilídio Design Cabeleireiros | Rádio Universidade de Coimbra | Antena 2 | Hotel Oslo | Teatrão
Acknowledgements
A Escola da Noite, Alexandre Carvalho, Ana Rita Correia de Matos, Anabela Silva, Cátia Duarte, Diana Carvalho, Fernanda Sousa, Georgina Pimentel, Gisela Figueiredo, Guilhermina Carvalho, José António Pereira da Silva, Larry Ibarra, Lucinda Minas, Luísa Santiago, Lurdes Acurcio, Maria José Pessoa, Maurício Lopes, Micael Silva, Tânia Santiago, Umbelina Santos
*Audio description material courtesy of Teatrão
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