“SLUMBER PARTY: HEARTBREAK EDITION”, by João Oliveira and Mariana Pontes Barbosa
SLUMBER PARTY: HEARTBREAK EDITION is a performance disguised both as a sleepover and a collective emotional purge. It stems from heartbreak, understood not only as romantic disappointment but also as a metaphor for the frustration that marks our time. In an informal setting, audience and performers share the stage in a flow of conversation, improvisation and vulnerability. Each performance is unique: an invitation to take risks and embrace the courage to experiment through imperfection.
João Oliveira is a performer and creator based in Porto. He trained in theatre at Balleteatro and in dance at Bath Spa University, UK. He has collaborated with creators such as Né Barros, Sofia Dias & Vítor Roriz, Madalena Vitorino, Francisco Camacho, Ricardo Pais, among others. His work explores the intersection of theatre and dance, and he is the author of the pieces Dois Peixes em Marte, Caem Calhaus do Céu, Dostoyevsky Made Me Do It and Violeta. He was a Guest Artist at DDD – Festival Dias da Dança in 2023.
Mariana Barbosa was born in Póvoa de Varzim. She studied at Opus Ballet with a full scholarship and participated in the 2020/21 editions of FAICC. She co-created CERES, with Gisela Ferreira/Délia Krayenbühl, SUPER-STARE, with Rafael Ferreira, and Viaggiare nella Maionese, with the Coletivo Pyramida. She has performed with Kale Companhia de Dança and collaborated with André Uerba, Ana Isabel Castro, Daniela Cruz, Davis Freeman, Judith Argomaniz, Compagnie Adequate, São Castro, Christine Hassid, António Presti, among others.
Dance – duration TBD
error – power – storytelling – validation
Premiere
May 28 and 29 / Café Teatro at Teatro Campo Alegre
Created and performed by: João Oliveira, Mariana Barbosa
Music: Gonçalo Tavares
Lighting design: Guilherme Mota, João Oliveira
Outside eyes: Daniela Cruz, Mafalda Banquart
Coproduced by: Instável – Centro Coreográfico and Teatro Municipal do Porto*
* As part of the Palcos Instáveis cycle