Organised by the Teatro do Mar company—based in Sines, in the Setúbal district—the 8th edition of the showcase, which transforms the city streets into “a grand stage for international performing arts,” will expand beyond the historic centre.

“We continue to expand the festival beyond the historic centre, inviting the public to traverse and rediscover Sines through diverse urban, natural, industrial, historical, and religious landscapes,” revealed Julieta Aurora Santos, director of Teatro do Mar, today.

Audiences will be able to attend nearly 30 shows as part of a program that blends “contemporary circus, dance, physical theatre, music, installations, and performance art,” explained Santos—who also serves as the event’s artistic director—in a statement released today by Teatro do Mar.

“We want every journey between shows to be a discovery in itself, and for the territory itself to be part of the artistic experience,” she emphasised.

According to the organisers, over the course of the three days, “the public follows the scheduled itinerary and moves through the city to catch the various performances,” where the stages are “the streets, squares, gardens, and iconic Sines landmarks—such as the castle and Vasco da Gama Beach.”

Free admission

The “entirely free” performances kick off on 18 September with B.O.B.A.S. by the Spanish company Jimena Cavalletti at the castle, followed by the dance performance Bien Parado by the French group Collectif La Méandre, near the marina.

The opening day also features Portuguese artist Daniel Seabra (Circo Caótico) at Largo da N.ª Sr.ª das Salas, as well as acrobatic dance performances by French artist Fika at Pátio das Artes and by Diana Niepce at the Arts Centre Auditorium.

Performances by the Basque company Ertza at Largo Poeta Bocage, the circus act by Cie. Balbàl at Largo 5 de Outubro, and “O Início do Fim” by Leonardo Ferreira (Companhia Errância) round out the lineup for the first day—a Friday.

On the second day, M.A.R. offers an activity for children and families and presents 14 shows across various venues, notably featuring performances by the groups Kiaï, Circo Carpa Diem, and Laia Santanach.

Additionally, there are performances by Manolo Alcántara and the collective Deabru Beltzak—creators of the travelling fire show “Su Talka,” which concludes Saturday’s artistic program before the party at the castle, according to the organisers.

On Sunday, to close the festival, the public can view the installation “Tesselação para pés descalços” (Tessellation for Bare Feet) by Amadeu Pinto da Silva on Francisco Luís Lopes and Serpa Pinto streets, as well as a roving performance by Ricardo Vaz Trindade and Marta Félix titled “Vamos dar uma volta de autocaravana?” (Shall We Go for a Ride in a Campervan?) in the historic centre.

M.A.R. concludes with the travelling musical show “Possê” by the Spanish company Sound de Secà, starting at Largo 5 de Outubro.

The event also extends to the old Train Station, Alameda da Paz, and Largo Poeta Bocage.

Access to culture

This year’s program “blends different artistic languages ​​and experiences, ranging from highly intimate works to moments like the percussion and pyrotechnics show by Deabru Beltzak,” stated Julieta Aurora Santos.

In addition to promoting “free access to culture,” the event “strengthens the connection between artistic creation, the community, and the local area,” the organisers highlighted.

M.A.R. is artistically directed and produced by Teatro do Mar, co-produced by the Sines Municipality, and funded by the Directorate-General for the Arts.