The Worst Teacher in the World Returns to Lisbon Stage
Lisbon is set to welcome back one of theater’s most unconventional educators. The acclaimed play O Pior Professor do Mundo (The Worst Teacher in the World) returns to the capital on September 26 and 27 for two performances at Boutique Cultura. Produced by the Faro-based company Lama Teatro, the production uses humor and history to tackle the vital importance of democracy and the right to vote.
History Meets Hilarity
The play centers on the legacy of Carolina Beatriz Ângelo, the pioneering physician and suffragist who became the first woman to vote in Portugal in 1911. Through the lens of an “eccentric, boring, passionate, and undisciplined” educator, the production explores how democratic rights were won and why they must be exercised today.
Directed by and starring João de Brito, the performance balances slapstick character work with poignant lessons. While the titular teacher might spend more time tidying his desk than lecturing, his unconventional methods—including teaching students the precise art of folding a ballot paper—aim to leave a lasting impression on his “pupils.”
A Global Success Story
Since its debut, the play has become a cultural phenomenon, touring dozens of schools and theaters across Portugal. Its reach has extended internationally, with performances in Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, and Macau. The script, a collaborative effort by Diana Costa e Silva, Hugo Van der Ding, and João de Brito, aims to prove that history is best served with a dose of wit.
“We want to remind audiences that history can be told with humor,” the theater company stated. “Even the ‘worst’ of teachers can end up teaching us something fundamental about our society.”
An Unforgettable Classroom Experience
The character at the heart of the play is a study in contradictions. He is a strict believer in exams and “cheat sheets,” yet he calls every student by the same name—Gabi—to ensure total impartiality. Whether he is demanding absolute silence or having a conversation with his plants, the teacher (accompanied by his constant companion, Teresa) creates an immersive world where the audience becomes part of the classroom.
This joint production features costumes by renowned designer José António Tenente and is a collaboration between Lama Teatro, Cineteatro Louletano, and the Lagos Cultural Center. Lighting and technical direction are handled by Sincronia.
Image: Pexels – SAULO LEITE
