European Literature Night

The European Literature Night returns to Lisbon, in face-to-face format. Books come to life on the evening of saturday, June 4, 2022, with fiction, poetry, theatre and comic books taking over Campo de Santa Clara. Organised by the European Commission Representation in Portugal, together with EUNIC Portugal, the 10th edition of this event is part of Festas de Lisboa, in partnership with EGEAC and Junta de Freguesia de São Vicente. With free admission, this literary evening in Lisbon transforms the capital into a European babel, with the presentation of works from thirteen countries, including the debut of Estonia.

The opening session relives the highlights of ten years of literature on the loose in Lisbon, starting at 6.15 pm at the Mercado de Santa Clara. Readings in Portuguese follow - extracts from works originated in 13 European countries - from fiction to poetry, essays to comics, theatre to autobiographical memory, by as many actors and actresses. 

Sessions in Palácio Sinel de Cordes
(from 7 pm to 11.30 pm, repeated every 30 minutes):

France (Sunset Room)
The ninth art is represented at the event with this comic book that delicately tackles some very current social issues, such as gender stereotypes, sexuality and discrimination.
Authors: Hubert (Boulard) and Zanzim (Frédéric Leutelier)
Work: Peau d'Homme
Performed by: Cátia Tome

Portugal (Ballroom)
The host country is represented by the author's first narrative book, a surprising work that brings together brief stories, a kaleidoscope of images, places, references and characters, inspired by reality and anchored in imagination.
Author: Matilde Campilho (present at the event)
Work: Flecha
Performed by: Rita Cabaço

Spain (Courtyard and North Room)
From our neighbouring country comes an extraordinary and original essay by this writer and philologist, focused on the history of books since their birth in the ancient world.
Author: Irene Vallejo
Work: O Infinito num Junco
Performed by: Pedro Saavedra

Besides Palácio Sinel de Cordes, the readings also take place in different venues at Campo de Santa Clara, including Panteão Nacional, Convento do Desagravo, where Escola Básica de Santa Clara is located, Pólo Cultural da Junta de Freguesia de São Vicente and Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa. The authors are present in some of the readings, which last 10 to 15 minutes. They are repeated every thirty minutes, giving the audience the possibility to visit the different venues and attend several sessions of this European Literature Night.