Rags to Riches

Throughout 2014 São Brás celebrated its Centenary as an independent council. Aperitivo celebrated this landmark with a thirty-minute Epic Poem written by new member Carolyn Kain (plus Portuguese additions by Jane).  ‘Rags to Riches’ was also the directing debut of Gertrud, who did a great job combining music, rhyme and images from Barbara Mundt.  The story was of Miguel Dias de Andrade, founder of one of the first and most successful businesses.  With a team of mules, donkeys and carts, Miguel's large workforce transported cork from the Alentejo to processing factories in places as far afield as Silves. Bringing prosperity to the area, his business made him a well-known figure and a rich man who apparently charmed the ladies and lead a profligate lifestyle.  The mansion that he built is now São Brás Museum and home of Aperitivo.
(photos by Peter Kain)