Sousa Telles Cinema Theatre

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Cinema-Theatre

District: Beja > Ourique > Ourique > Centro

Location

The Cine Teatro de Sousa Telles stands on Rua Gago Coutinho, in the heart of the village of Ourique, a location that places it directly within the central environment and life of the community. Its position in the centre of the locality of Ourique, in the municipality of the same name and in the district of Beja, grants it natural accessibility for anyone exploring the village, inviting a cultural experience integrated into daily Alentejo life.

History and Evolution

This cultural space, inaugurated in 1899 as "Theatro Sousa Telles", is a testament to the persistence of cultural activity in the country's interior. Born from the initiative of an Ourique Society and driven by amateur groups, the original hall had a capacity of about 200 seats, including a gallery of 50 seats exclusively dedicated to female spectators unaccompanied by a man, a particularity that reflects the customs of the time. Throughout the 20th century, the theatre adapted, transforming into a "Cine Teatro", a reflection of changes in the entertainment and cultural landscape. Despite having faced a period of deterioration, its essence as a performance space was maintained.

A Building with Character

After a period of significant degradation in the 1990s, the Cine Teatro de Sousa Telles underwent a major rehabilitation project. Re-inaugurated on February 15, 2009, the building successfully combined modern functionality with the preservation of its charisma. The original facade, marked by its prominent arch opening onto a blind wall, with a recessed roof and a side tower, was carefully maintained, preserving the identity of the space. Inside, the auditorium was renovated, clad in wood, and equipped with a stalls and balcony area that currently accommodate 168 spectators.

Cultural Dynamism

Today, the Cine Teatro de Sousa Telles is more than just a performance venue; it acts as a true cultural hub in Ourique. It presents a regular programme that includes current cinema and a variety of other culturally relevant events. Its versatility is further enhanced by the installation of other cultural facilities within the building, making it a meeting point and artistic dissemination centre, actively contributing to the cultural life of the village.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt