Teatro Nacional D. Maria II
Teatro Nacional D. Maria II stands at Praça Dom Pedro IV, 1100-201 Lisboa, in the Rossio area at the centre of Lisbon. Visit Lisboa calls it one of the country's important theatres and says its imposing, cultural style gives distinction to one of the best known squares in the city. The same source describes the square as one of the most iconic in the country. A Google overview places the theatre in the heart of Lisbon, at Rossio Square, and presents it as one of the country's premier national theatres. Today it counts among the main Portuguese theatres, and it was classified as a national monument in 2012. The theatre first opened its doors in April 1846, during celebrations of the 27th anniversary of Queen Maria II, who lived from 1819 to 1853. That occasion is the main reason for its official name. Visit Lisboa adds that the queen was a passionate fan of theatre and gave the country's theatre companies a great deal of support. Almeida Garrett, counted among the important Portuguese playwrights and intellectuals, founded the theatre. In 1964 a raging fire destroyed the whole building except its external walls and main entrance. Visit Lisboa calls the blaze horrific, saying it razed the theatre. The building was totally reconstructed and reopened in 1978. The version standing today preserves the original neoclassical style. Visit Lisboa describes the rebuilding as taking place in the second half of the 20th century. As a national theatre, it is dedicated to classical and contemporary dramatic arts. It hosts national and international theatrical productions, artistic residencies and cultural outreach programmes. Visit Lisboa says the venue has staged national and international plays, and calls the plays demanding and excellent. Tiago Rodrigues has been Artistic Director since 2015. The theatre gives priority to opening itself to the community, attracting and training new audiences, and bringing cultural and artistic activities to all layers of the population in order to raise their aesthetic and critical standards. Visit Lisboa recommends a guided tour to see behind the scenes, including the changing rooms and the costume and prop workshops, among other areas. The venue also has a bookshop specialising in theatre and other show arts. Visit Lisboa lists the theatre under cultural centres and shows it as a Lisbon Tourism member. On that site, the Tripadvisor traveller rating is 4.2, based on 148 reviews. The theatre can be reached on +351 213250827 or at geral@tndm.pt, and its website is www.tndm.pt.
