CTA premieres “In Praise of Laughter” with Maria Rueff
Starting October 31st at TMJB
The Almada Theater Company premieres “In Praise of Laughter” on October 31st. The show, performed by Maria Rueff, is the result of a co-creation by the actress, Hajo Schüler, and Rodrigo Francisco. The show will run from October 31st to November 30th, Thursday through Saturday at 9 p.m., and Wednesdays and Sundays at 4 p.m.
As is customary with CTA’s creations, the show will be accompanied on Saturdays at 6 p.m. in the TMJB foyer by Conversations with the Audience.
Actress Maria Rueff delved into the origins of laughter, in a four-handed search with Rodrigo Francisco for a game she knows so well but where she never ceases to be amazed. In the real rush that followed sources and references on the subject, a futurist manifesto that neither of them knew miraculously took flight: A contrador, by the Italian Aldo Palazzeschi (1885-1974). Shotgun to the face, a well-aimed shot, and lo and behold, the work tumbles downwards, in ever-tightening spirals. But where it will land is unknown. To help in the hunt is a director and actor well known to Almada audiences: Hajo Schüler, of the German company Familie Floz, a true “master of the mask.”
Maria Rueff, a graduate of the Higher School of Theater and Cinema, is an actress who can be rightly called a comedian. She made her professional debut in 1991, under the direction of Armando Cortez, at the Teatro Villaret. Since then, her career has been on the rise, with prominent appearances in various television programs, films, and plays. Her long and fruitful collaboration with Herman José has generated several characters never before seen in Portugal, played by a woman, of which Zé Manel Taxi Driver is perhaps the most notable. At the CTA, she played the character Daja in Lessing’s play Nathan the Wise (2018). At the TMJB, she performed with António, Maria, directed by Miguel Seabra, and German Cabaret, Zé Manel Taxi Driver, and Home Sweet Home—three productions by António Pires.
In Praise of Laughter (Main Room, October 31 to November 30, Thursday to Saturday at 9 p.m., Wednesdays and Sundays at 4 p.m.) PG | Price: between €6.50 and €13 (Friends Club: free admission)
- A show by Hajo Schüler, Maria Rueff, and Rodrigo Francisco
- Performance: Maria Rueff
- Set Design: Marta Carreiras
- Costume Design: Dino Alves
- Lighting Design: Guilherme Frazão
- Sound Design: Daniel Mendrico
- Almada Theater Company
- More information at ctalmada.pt
Always confirm with the concert hall or promoter the access conditions, confirmation of the date and time, ticket sales location, price, and availability.
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Published on 2025.10.17
