The Macao-born Patuá theatre is a type of comedy combining the characteristics of Western revues and the performance style of light operas. All Patuá theatre productions are original plays inspired by folk customs, Sino-Western cultural exchange, community highlights and lifestyles in Macao, which gives these productions the quality of community theatre. Mainly performed in Patuá, a language unique to Macao, this form of art reflects a spectrum of life experiences through the actors’ humorous lines and exaggerated movements.
Patuá theatre was inscribed onto the National List of Representative Elements of Intangible Cultural Heritage of China in 2021. However, the Dóci Papiaçám di Macau Drama Group has been staging fascinating Patuá theatre performances every year since 1993, deepening the public’s understanding of this traditional theatrical genre. The drama company has been keeping up with the times by integrating various performance styles and stage technology and expanding the range of participants from the Macanese community to different cultural communities in Macao. The dramatic and hilarious scenes not only open a door to the city’s community culture and history, but also bring the audience an unexpectedly wonderful viewing experience.
By Elisabela Larrea
Macanese Culture Researcher, founder and president of Macanese Culture Research Association, creator of “Belamaquista: Macanese Culture for Everyone” and “Unchinho di Língu Maquista”.
This article is excerpted and translated from Chinese