Programa de Abertura | Performance Libertas, de Vasco Araújo

Participants are invited to sing «Va, pensiero», by Giuseppe Verdi, in a collective choral march through the streets of Coimbra — an artistic action and a public gesture of freedom that transform urban space into a moment of shared expression. Anozero — Biennial of Coimbra launches an open call for participation in the performance «Libertas – Da condição de pessoa livre», by the artist Vasco Araújo, which will take place on 11 April 2026, in Coimbra, as part of the opening of the biennial. Registrations must be made via the email comunicacao@anozero-bienaldecoimbra.pt. The initiative is carried out in collaboration with the BAIXaVOZ choir, bringing together hundreds of participants to form a collective choir that will perform «Va, pensiero», the celebrated Chorus of the Slaves from Giuseppe Verdi’s opera «Nabucco» — one of the most emblematic historical hymns against oppression. For further information about the initiative, you may contact habaixacoimbra@gmail.com. Internationally recognised, Vasco Araújo (Lisbon, 1970) develops work that explores questions related to identity, power and representation, frequently bringing together references from music, literature and art history. The performance will take the form of a peaceful march/protest, in which participants will walk and sing in chorus along some of the main arteries of the city of Coimbra. The route begins at Praça 8 de Maio, in front of the Church of Santa Cruz, continues along Rua Ferreira Borges, crosses the Santa Clara Bridge and culminates at the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova, the epicentre of Anozero — Biennial of Coimbra. Dressed in white, participants will give shape to a collective action that questions the very idea of freedom and the power relations that run through societies, classes and individuals. Through the evocation of relationships historically marked by oppression — such as coloniser and colonised, masters and slaves, conservatives and liberals, men and women — the performance proposes a public reflection on who has the freedom to speak and on the limits that structure social life. Participation is open to anyone interested, whether or not they live in Coimbra, with no age limit. Participants must be available for: Rehearsal — 10 April 2026, at 19:00, at Convento São Francisco, led by the choir directors Catarina Moura and Luís Pedro Madeira (BAIXaVOZ choir); Performance — 11 April 2026, at 14:30. Participants are asked to dress in white, although shoes do not need to follow this indication. It is also recommended that accessories be white, or otherwise avoided during the performance. The União das Freguesias de Coimbra (Sé Nova, Santa Cruz, Almedina e São Bartolomeu), the Agency for the Promotion of Coimbra Downtown (APBC), and the União de Freguesias de Santa Clara e Castelo Viegas support the dissemination of this initiative, which passes through the territories where they carry out their activity.