On 14 November, at 9:30 pm, Fábrica das Ideias – Gafanha da Nazaré, in Ílhavo, will host an open rehearsal of Homúnculo, a new creation by Homens dos Copos, supported by the Outdoor Arts Portugal Creation Grants. The presentation is part of the international programme La Nuit du Cirque and marks a special preview evening ahead of LEME, a festival dedicated to new languages and approaches in contemporary circus.

In a world increasingly marked by isolation and communication difficulties, Homúnculo begins with an encounter between two creatures to explore the fragility of human relationships, the challenges of coexistence and the need for connection. Through a physical and visual language combining hand balancing, dance and neutral mask, the creation follows two bodies searching for ways to connect and coexist, transforming a large black fabric into multiple extensions of the body and imagination.

Through a series of approaches and withdrawals, the performance creates a universe inhabited by hybrid, fragile and ever-changing creatures, in a setting suspended between an ending and a new beginning. Through this relationship, Homúnculo questions the possibility of rebuilding bonds, intimacy and care at a time when human closeness seems increasingly difficult.

The open rehearsal offers an opportunity to follow the project's artistic development and discover a creation still in progress. The project is supported by the Outdoor Arts Portugal Creation Grants, a programme dedicated to developing new artistic projects for public space, encouraging experimentation, research and contemporary creation. As part of the international La Nuit du Cirque programme, this presentation also connects with LEME, offering a preview of the festival ahead of its return to Ílhavo in December and strengthening the dialogue between artistic creation, experimentation and encounters with audiences.

The Outdoor Arts Portugal platform is promoted by Bússola. The Creation Grants programme is developed in co-production with 23 Milhas (Ílhavo), Casa Varela (Pombal) and Ponto C (Penafiel), with the support of the Portuguese Republic, Culture / Directorate-General for the Arts.