Jul 05 2023 to Jul 05 2023 6 p.m.

EVENT HAS ENDED

Where

Bangalore International Centre

7 4th Main Rd, Stage 2, Domlur 560071

Event Description

We take a look at the life and work of Fernando Pessoa through a talk and a play. Curtain Raiser on Fernando Pessoa | 6pm – 6:45pm As indicated by the title above, this will be an introductory talk on Fernando Pessoa – poet, writer, literary critic, translator, publisher and philosopher. The remarkable characteristic of Pessoa was that he donned multiple personalities, and wrote in different and distinctive styles under each identity or heteronym. Pessoa is known as the greatest poet of Portugal and the speaker has long been fascinated by this legendary figure and his multiple styles. Latha Reddy has spent a total of nine years in Portugal, spread out over three decades, during her diplomatic career, and speaks Portuguese fluently. She will present a selection of Pessoa’s work which will illustrate his complex personality. This introduction will provide a meaningful prelude to the play “Fernando and his Grandmother “ which will follow the talk.

Fernando and His Grandmother | 7pm – 8:30pm 90 mins | English | Ages 16+

Writer: Armando Nascimento Rosa

Translator: Susannah Finzi

Director: Mayura Baweja

Animation and Poster Design: Bharath Murthy

Lighting Design: Arun DT

Movement Director: Deepak Kurki

Music Composition & Design: Abhaydev Praful

Set, Prop & Costume Design: Rency Philip

Production: Norman Leslie Doss V

Fernando and his Grandmother is a play based on the life of the well-known Portuguese poet, Fernando Pessoa. An intriguing literary figure from the 20th century, Pessoa is called the “Endlessly Multiple” poet because of the many heteronyms that he invented. These heteronym figures were not merely pen names but whole fictional entities with individual biographies and distinctive writing styles. Inventive and heartwarming, the play is based on the close relationship between Pessoa and his grandmother. It presents the dark themes of mental illness, political censorship and death, with large brushstrokes of humour, offering us a window into the unique and fascinating world of Pessoa and his many heteronyms.