In this new Iberian axis of artistic creation and presentation, bringing together transdisciplinary projects that merge performing and visual arts, music, and cinema, BoCA invites artists and audiences to explore alternative territories and opens space for new readings of the present and opportunities for the future beyond conventional maps.

Among the many highlights of the programme is the world of “Adilson”, an opera staged by Dino D’Santiago with a libretto by Rui Catalão, focusing on the struggle of thousands for citizenship and the right to be recognised in the country where they live. There will also be the collaboration between choreographer Tânia Carvalho and singer/performer Rocío Guzmán in a concert drawing from traditional Portuguese song and flamenco to reflect on shared heritages; “Coral de Corpos sem Norte” by Angolan artist Kiluanji Kia Henda, a stage creation (at Teatro Nacional D. Maria II) and a large-scale installation (at MAAT) dealing with migratory flows and the persistence of memory; and a new performative act by visual artist Adriana Progranó, set in a public space.

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Another noteworthy participation is “The Trial of Pelicot” by Swiss director Milo Rau with French actress Servane Dècle, a performative vigil held at the National Pantheon, based on the real case of sexual violence involving Gisèle Pelicot that shocked France and the world, where justice is questioned within the realm of art.

Other features include “Os Rapazes da Praia de Adoro”, a creation by Spanish playwright and director Alberto Cortés with Portuguese painter João Gabriel, which explores queer imaginaries and male intimacy to reflect on the relationship between Portugal and Spain through a fictional territory; and “13 Alfinetes”, a new short film by João Pedro Rodrigues and João Rui Guerra da Mata, intertwining devotion and desire in dialogue with the visual memory of Lisbon and Madrid.

The biennial is spread across leading cultural venues in both cities. In Lisbon, it takes place at the Centro Cultural de Belém, Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, MAAT, Teatro Nacional D. Maria II, Culturgest, Teatro do Bairro Alto, Estufa Fria, Nacional Museum of Contemporary Art, Carpintarias de São Lázaro, and the Portuguese Cinematheque. In Madrid, it will be hosted by institutions such as the Museo del Prado, Museo Reina Sofía, TBA21 Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Contemporary, Teatro de La Abadía, Museo Nacional del Traje, Goethe Institut Madrid, and the Filmoteca Española.