Curarizar, Plataforma285 and EMERGE
curarize (cu·ra·rize)
transitive verb
1. To poison with curare (a toxic substance extracted from Amazonian plants, traditionally used by Indigenous peoples to poison hunting arrows, causing muscular paralysis and asphyxiation).
2. In a medical context, refers to the muscle relaxation induced by the administration of neuromuscular blocking agents, used during sedation.
3. For Plataforma285 and EMERGE, the idea of sedation or poisoning as a possibility for a new beginning.
Through a multidisciplinary performative action situated between performance and the visual arts, the aim is to destroy in order to recreate and heal. This collaboration between Plataforma285 and EMERGE explores states of paralysis - physical, political, and emotional - as a way of reflecting on what comes next: action or reaction. Drawing on Plataforma285's collection of stage props and set pieces, EMERGE will "curate" a selection of objects previously used in performances, destined for destruction. In a one-off happening, the two organisations will carry out, before the audience, an act of complete and irreversible destruction of these objects. In a second phase, the objects will be "repaired" and transformed into new creations, which will subsequently be exhibited.
The act of destruction will be captured on video, preserving the memory of objects - and performances - that will never exist again.
CREDITS
Co-creation Plataforma285 and EMERGE/ Performers Raimundo Cosme, Cecília Henriques, Mariana Sá Marques, Raquel Bravo and Jorge Reis/ Production Director Raquel Bravo/ Executive Producer Mariana Sá Marques/ Communication Director Beatriz Vasconcelos/ Photography and Videos Ana Ladislau and Joana Correia/ manaamana/ Lighting Design and performance Roger Madureira/ Sound Design Van Ayres/ Production Plataforma285/ Co-production Festival Temps d’Images/ Support Torres Vedras City Council
Plataforma285 is an associated organisation of Cão Solteiro Associação Cultural and is funded by Lisbon City Council and the República Portuguesa – Cultura, Juventude e Desporto / Direção-Geral das Artes.
Performance: 24 October 2026, Safra Lisboa