# Chapitô theater adaptation of José Saramago work

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/chapit-theater-adaptation-of-jos-saramago-work
> Updated: 2026-09-22T16:40:01.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

The Lisbon-based theater company Chapitô is preparing to premiere a stage adaptation of ‘Ensaio sobre a Lucidez’ (Essay on Lucidity), a 2004 work by Nobel Prize-winning author José Saramago. The production marks the 30th anniversary of the company.

Directed by José C. Garcia, the play uses Saramago’s allegory to explore themes of political disillusionment and the fragility of modern democracy. The narrative depicts a scenario where a majority of citizens cast blank votes as a form of protest, potentially triggering a state of emergency and exposing authoritarian impulses within democratic systems. Garcia noted the production was chosen for its relevance to contemporary issues, specifically addressing a “lack of humanism” and the fear that blank voting can instill within governments.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-22: Companhia do Chapitô to premiere Saramago-based play

Companhia do Chapitô celebrates its 30th anniversary with the premiere of ‘Ensaio sobre a Lucidez,’ a play based on José Saramago’s work exploring the fragility of modern democracy.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/companhia-do-chapit-to-premiere-saramago-based-play

### 2026-08-29: Chapitô to stage José Saramago adaptation in Lisbon

The Lisbon theater company Chapitô will adapt José Saramago’s ‘Ensaio sobre a Lucidez’ for the stage this September, exploring themes of political disillusionment and democratic fragility.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chapit-to-stage-jos-saramago-adaptation-in-lisbon

---
Cite as: Chapitô theater adaptation of José Saramago work. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/chapit-theater-adaptation-of-jos-saramago-work