In the north of the district of Leiria, Alvaiázere also suffered from storm Kristin and those that followed: ‘But the Casa da Cultura was one of the buildings that resisted the most. Some tiles were lifted, but nothing too serious,’ João Caetano, director of OTal - Oficina de Teatro de Alvaiázere, responsible for the festival, explained to the Lusa news agency.

Even so, the organisation was unsure whether to go ahead with the 2026 edition of the event.

‘Given that the Casa da Cultura was perfectly functional, we decided to go ahead, introducing a charitable aspect,’ he said.

The Alvaiázere Theatre Festival, which usually has free admission and fills the 150 seats at the Casa da Cultura, in previous editions, has even left people at the door. This year, it instituted voluntary payment, appealing for solidarity with the firefighters.

‘We don't usually charge admission: it's free, limited to the capacity of the room. But this year, we launched the idea: people pay whatever they want for the ticket, and the money we raise will be donated to the Alvaiázere Volunteer Firefighters.

The corporation is asking for support,’ explained João Caetano, ‘because they had a lot of expenses helping the victims of the disaster.’ The theatre is thus seeking to help.

The exhibition, which also marks the 30th anniversary of the Alva Canto association, which hosts OTal as its theatre section, opens on Friday evening with the play for children and young people ‘Mãe! Estás aí?’ (Mum! Are you there? Por Te-Ato - Grupo de Teatro de Leiria.

On the 14th, the Ramalde Theatre Company from Porto brings ‘Perdidos na noite’ (Lost in the Night) to Alvaiázere.

‘Que espécie de homens são vocês?’ (What Kind of Men Are You?), by TAL - Teatro Amador de Loureiro, from Oliveira de Azeméis, takes to the stage at the Casa da Cultura on the 21st.

To celebrate World Theatre Day, on the 27th, there will be a show with Saidatoca - Theatre Club of the Alvaiázere School Group and the Theatre Group of CACI - Casa do Povo de Ansião.

To close the event, on the 29th, OTal - Oficina de Teatro de Alvaiázere will perform “Senha 243”.

Tickets for the shows at the 3rd Alvaiázere Theatre Festival can be reserved by emailing otalteatro@outlook.pt or by calling 914 330 907.