Teatro Nacional D. Maria II – First Shakespearean plays

If you fancy theatre, then Teatro Nacional D. Maria II is a place you shouldn’t miss. It’s sited in historical Pedro IV Square, or Rossio, its popular name, right in Lisbon’s Pombaline Downtown. The first inauguration was on April 13, 1846. It was D. Maria 27th birthday celebrations and to her homage the queen’s name became part of the theatre’s officinal designation.


It was the historical drama play “ O Magriço e os Doze de Ingalterra”, by Jacinto Aguiar de Loureiro, that debuted on stage. However the history of Teatro Nacional D. Maria II starts earlier. 

Following the revolution of September 9, 1836, Passos Manuel takes over the government and one of his measures was to rethink Portuguese theater in a global context, a job he delegated to write and politician Almeida Garrett. Here’s the “manifesto”: "without loss of time, a plan for the foundation and organization of a national theater, which, being a school of good taste, contribute to civilization and moral improvement of the Portuguese nation." By that decree, Almeida Garrett was commissioned to create the Inspection General of Theatres and Shows and National Conservatory of Dramatic Arts General, establish premiums dramaturgy, regular copyright and build a National Theatre "that could decently represent national dramas ". 

The romantic atmosphere at this time in Europe determines the urgency to find a model and dramaturgy national repertoire, thus the appearance of a theater (and its repertoire) wasn’t only cultural but a national issue, closely linked to the independence of the nation, coming out of trouble times after the French invasion and the fighting liberals.
Between 1836 - the legal creation theater date - and 1846 - the inauguration’s year - the existing and decrepit theatre in Rua dos Condes served as interim. And, after much controversy, the final location were the ruins of the palace Estaus, former headquarters of the Inquisition, destroyed by a fire in 1839. Also, the choice of an Italian architect, Fortunato Lodi, to design and run the theater wasn’t exempt from criticism and only in 1842 Almeida Garrett started the work.

During a long period of time, the National Theatre was managed by companies of artists to empower its management. After the establishment of the Republic, the theatre was renamed Teatro Nacional de Almeida Garret. Rosas e Brasão was the most epic theater group in charge, between 1881 and 1898, as they made the first creations of Shakespeare's plays in Portugal.

In 1964, the National Theatre was the scene of a huge fire that spared only the outer walls and the entrance of the building. The place was completely rebuilt and reopened in 1978. Today it respects the original neoclassical style.
In March 2004, Teatro Nacional D.Maria II (TNDM II) turned into a public limited company and at present it has its own governing body, under supervision of the Ministries of Finance and Culture. In 2007, TNDM II was integrated in the business sector of the state.
In addition to this, there’s inside tours every Monday mornings with insights about theater, history and architecture. The shows are from Wednesday to Saturday. On Thursday tickets have discount.