In a simple ceremony, but full of symbolism that marked the completion of the restoration works of the space, the Mayor, Paulo Cunha, considered the moment "a very important milestone in the history of the town of Riba de Ave", stating that it is "an investment that induces cultural, social and even economic development".
"It is an excellent quality space, not only from the architectural point of view, but also in terms of equipment, functionality, technical means, potentiality, as it has all the conditions to receive great shows, namely circus arts".
The innovation of the space and the vanguards of the equipment was one of the points most stressed by all the guests.
"There are technical and functional details that make this space unique and innovative", underlined architect Noé Dinis, who signs the restoration architecture project.
As an example, he referred to the performance room that presents a multifunctional contemporary typology, with a single level, contemplating a motorised telescopic stand, which totally retracts and a practicable integral technical ceiling, characteristics that allow variable scenic configurations, capable of responding both to specific creative challenges and to more traditional staging, as well as to recreational uses and activities in the scope of training and community life.
For Paulo Cunha, "the coming times will be of great challenges for Riba de Ave, but also of great opportunities".
With a very strong emotional connection to the Theatre, Noé Dinis, recalled that it was in this space that he saw the cinema for the first time: "I must have been 7 or 8 years old", the architect explained that it was a "complex, multipurpose, innovative and avant-garde work. It was a building that was in ruins and has now been reborn. It is like a Rolls-Royce, which now needs to be valued", he added, recalling that it is "a rare example of modernist architecture in Portugal".
Visibly moved was the president of the Parish Council of Riba de Ave, Susana Pereira, who considered this work "one of the most important interventions of the last 50 years in Riba de Ave."
"Everything associated with this building stirs memories and the history of Riba de Ave. It was many years looking at ruins. Entering Riba de Ave and looking at this abandoned building was something that had a negative psychological effect on the community, today it is exactly the opposite. Everyone feels excited, motivated for the future. This is a magnificent building. It is not just a work for Riba de Ave. It is a work for the region and for the country", he stressed.
It should be noted that the project to recover the Narciso Ferreira Theatre was one of the major cultural bets of the municipal executive, led by Paulo Cunha. With an investment of 3.5 million euros, the work had funds approved under the Strategic Plan for Urban Development (PEDU), signed between the municipality and the Operational Program North 2020, with the municipality to ensure ERDF co-financing, amounting to 2.9 million euros.
The goal is to turn the Narciso Ferreira Theatre into a multifaceted space, prepared for theatre, dance, music and cinema performances, able to meet the needs of the community itself, but also to host some more professional shows. It has excellent conditions to host contemporary circus shows.