MADS opens first dedicated headquarters in Funchal

The Madeira Amateur Dramatic Society (MADS) — an association active for more than three decades — received its first permanent headquarters. The Regional Government handed over a space in the Centro Cívico de Animação e Cultura Edmundo Bettencourt on Rua Latino Coelho, in the centre of Funchal. The inauguration, held at 16:00 on 27 July, was attended by the President of the Regional Government, Miguel Albuquerque.

Association president Eduardo Gaspar highlighted the milestone, saying, “It is the recognition of more than 30 years of work that MADS has been doing, always seeking to improve and perfect its work.” The new premises will initially store costumes, props and set pieces and will host readings of texts for upcoming productions. The society now counts about 15 actors and plans further castings for future shows.

Albuquerque also took part in the opening of the main building of the Santa Clara Social Complex later that day, underscoring the regional government's support for cultural initiatives.