“A Cigarette and Four Pairs of Sneakers” is a previously unpublished play written by Ema Fonseca, winner of the 3rd edition of the Playwriting Competition.

The competition is organised every two years by the TEC – Teatro Experimental de Cascais, with the aim of discovering new dramatic texts and encouraging all those who write for theatre in Portuguese.

This production follows a Portuguese family in search of comfort and happiness after emigrating to the United Kingdom. Struggling with language barriers, xenophobia and existential crises, they quickly realise that life “abroad” is not what they had imagined. Between Adidas trainers, José Pinhal and “prota” trafficking networks, each family member searches, in their own way, for the meaning of happiness.

The play explores how language shapes our identity, reflecting on Portuguese family dynamics and the universality of human experiences that transcend cultural boundaries.

Directed by Ana Padrão, with set design by Fernando Alvarez, costumes by Carolina Fadigas and Fernando Alvarez, soundtrack by Sérgio Delgado, lighting design by João Cachulo and assistant direction by Rodrigo Aleixo, the production features a predominantly young cast — Ivo Arroja, Maria Arrais, Sílvia Chiola and Tomás Andrade — joined by veteran actors Maria João Pinho and Sérgio Silva.

Further information:
TEC – Teatro Experimental de Cascais
968 780 966 | acontecenotec@tecascais.com
TEC reception opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 7pm, Sunday from 2pm.