Contexto

In the Context cycle, we propose a series of mediated conversations between two guests whose academic, political or activist backgrounds intersect with themes addressed in a show from Theatro Circo’s programme.

The first conversation of 2026 is based on the show Catarina e a Beleza de Matar Fascistas (Catarina and the Beauty of Killing Fascists), by Tiago Rodrigues. Alongside the great dilemma – ‘Is there a place for violence in the struggle for a better world?’ – the play addresses the manipulation and discursive fabrication of current dictatorial regimes and far-right movements, embodied in a kind of modern-day Newspeak. Starting from the universe of the play, in this conversation we will reflect on how authoritarian regimes and parties communicate today with both their supporters and their critics.

Felisbela Lopes is a professor at the Institute of Social Sciences of the University of Minho, specialising in television information and political journalism. José Soeiro is a professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of Porto, was a member of the Portuguese Parliament for Bloco de Esquerda, and writes a weekly column in Expresso newspaper.