Contexto

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

In anticipation of Diamanda Galás’ concert, we invited sociologist and university professor Paula Guerra and art critic and journalist José Marmeleira to talk about the prolific career of the American singer, who has established herself at the forefront of the arts – as evidenced by her solo debut at the Festival d’Avignon in 1979, collaborations with Iannis Xenakis and John Zorn – and as an icon of counterculture, giving voice to multiple causes, from the HIV epidemic to the denunciation of oppressive political regimes.

A professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of Porto, Paula Guerra’s main areas of interest are different manifestations of counterculture, popular music and the punk universe. She is the founder of the KISMIF Conference, dedicated to the debate on underground cultures. José Marmeleira is a journalist and art critic who has written extensively on music, comics, visual arts and contemporary thought for Público and other publications.