Rags to Riches!

Aperitivo celebrates São Brás' Centenary! 


Throughout this year residents of São Brás will be celebrating an important landmark in their town’s history. Exactly 100 years ago it became an independent council. Aperitivo's new play, ‘Rags to Riches’ recounts some of the significant people and events that lead to this change of status. 

Once a rural hamlet but by the end of the 19th century the area had become an urban settlement with many businesses connected to the cork industry. Without an official name it was a no-man’s land situated between Faro and Alportel. In 1914 - due to the persistent efforts of a group of local residents - it became recognised as a separate municipality to be named Concelho de São Brás de Alportel.

In the years before this happened, the business ventures of Miguel Dias - a humble peasant-cum-entrepreneur - helped transform the hamlet into a town. The founder of one of the first and most successful businesses, he attracted people from across the region looking for employment.  With a team of mules, donkeys and carts, his 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 also a personal fortune. A colourful character who charmed the ladies and lead a profligate lifestyle; the mansion that he built is now São Brás Museum.

‘Rags to Riches’ tells the story of Miguel’s remarkable life and of his unexpected death. Written in rhyming verse by Carolyn Kain, with elements in Portuguese and musical interludes, it has a cast of 13 directed by Gertrud Durnholz.

As explained by Emanuel Sancho, Director of São Brás Museum, “The play is one of many events planned over the course of the year. We have organised exhibitions, lectures and demonstrations to honour the memory of past citizens. Various meetings will reflect upon the past, look towards the future and our collective identity as a multinational town.”




‘Rags to Riches’ – performances at São Brás Museum

September 19th and 20th at 7.30pm

Tickets 15€ includes 3 course dinner. 

(5€ play / lasts 35 minutes. 10€ meal)

On sale from September 1st.

Telephone: - 966 329 073

admin@amigos-museu-sbras.org

aperitivoperformancegroup@gmail.com

Website: - www.aperitivoperformancegroup.net