The 32nd edition of the Mindelact International Theatre Festival, also known as Mindelact 2026, is set to take place in São Vicente, Cabo Verde, from November 2 to 7. The festival will kick off with the spectacle "Amontoados," a co-production between Teatro GRIOT and Mindelact, directed by Zia Soares. The piece was created with students from the Mindelact-promoted Course of Introduction to Theatre.
According to José Pedro Bettencourt, vice-president of the Mindelact Association, this year's edition is dubbed "Edição Raiz" (Root Edition), which signifies a focus on the festival's roots in Cabo Verde while maintaining its international connections. The festival aims to reinforce its presence globally, but also to explore its local identity, particularly in relation to the 90th anniversary of the Claridade movement, a significant event in Cabo Verde's history.
This year's festival will feature performances and activities in not only São Vicente but also Porto Novo and Praia. The event will showcase representations from Cabo Verde, Portugal, Brazil, Spain, Denmark, and Togo, with over 40 activities, including performances, workshops, and parallel events. The festival's budget is 17,000 contos, but so far, only about 5,000 contos have been secured, leaving a significant funding gap.
Zenaida Alfama, treasurer of Mindelact, expressed concerns about the limited financial resources and the ongoing challenge of securing suitable venues for the performances. The organization faces difficulties in securing spaces, particularly at the CCM and Jotamonte, which are commonly used for the festival.
The festival's theme, "Fincar os pés na terra" (To Plant Your Feet on the Ground), reflects its focus on roots and identity. The event aims to promote dialogue and understanding of Cabo Verde's cultural heritage. The festival's program and some of the performances will be available on Mindelact's social media channels.
The "Edição Raiz" of Mindelact 2026 is seen as an opportunity for the festival to reconnect with its local roots while maintaining its international outlook. The event is expected to contribute to the cultural and artistic landscape of Cabo Verde and provide a platform for local and international artists to showcase their work.
As the festival prepares to begin, the organizers are optimistic about its potential impact on the cultural scene in Cabo Verde and beyond. With a diverse program and a focus on local and international connections, Mindelact 2026 aims to be a significant event in the country's cultural calendar.
Key points
- The festival's budget is 17,000 contos, but only about 5,000 contos have been secured so far.
- The event will feature representations from six countries, including Cabo Verde, Portugal, and Brazil.
- The festival's theme is "Fincar os pés na terra" (To Plant Your Feet on the Ground), reflecting its focus on roots and identity.
