Fonseca Moreira Theater

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Theatre

District: Porto > Felgueiras > Margaride > Margaride (Santa Eulália), Várzea, Lagares, Varziela e Moure

Location

Situated in the locality of Margaride, in the municipality of Felgueiras, the Fonseca Moreira Theatre is located in the heart of the urban area. Its central position makes it a landmark in the area, easily recognizable in the local landscape.

A Cultural Heritage

The Fonseca Moreira Theatre is the result of the commitment and vision of António José de Fonseca Moreira, a son of the soil who, after making his fortune in Brazil, returned with the dream of creating a space dedicated to art. The official inauguration, which took place on February 20, 1921, was a milestone, with the premiere of a play written by the founder himself.

Over the decades, the theatre experienced a period of great splendor, hosting renowned names from the Portuguese artistic scene, such as Vasco Santana, Laura Alves, Ruy de Carvalho, and António Silva, Ribeirinho, as well as prestigious theatre and revue companies. It was a vibrant space for musical performances, dance, and conferences with illustrious figures. Its hall was also a pioneer in the projection of sound films and, later, of color films, introducing the innovations of the seventh art to the population of Felgueiras. Many people from Felgueiras discovered their artistic talents there and participated in numerous performances, contributing to the cultural dynamism of the region.

Architecture and Revitalization

The architecture of the Fonseca Moreira Theatre features a facade that evokes its construction period, with characteristic elements of the early 20th century. After a period of inactivity, the building underwent a thorough restoration by the Felgueiras City Council, being classified as an immovable property of public interest.

The restoration project, authored by architect Filipe Oliveira Dias, sought to preserve the historical identity of the theatre, adapting it to contemporary needs. One of the most notable aspects of this intervention is the decoration of the ceiling in the auditorium, an original work by painter José Emídio, which lends a unique artistic touch to the space. Currently, the theatre remains an active cultural center, dedicated to hosting various performing arts, with a capacity for 267 people.

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