"Aparição", by Luís Osório, brings BABELL to a close

The Clérigos Tower hosted a monologue celebrating some of the greatest names in Portuguese literature

Over the course of 60 minutes and five acts, Luís Osório guided the audience through defining moments in the lives of some of Portugal's most celebrated writers. From the balcony of the Clérigos Tower, before a packed audience, the performance featured literary figures including Agustina Bessa-Luís, Antero de Quental, Camilo Castelo Branco, Florbela Espanca, Fernando Pessoa, José Saramago, Sophia de Mello Breyner, Valter Hugo Mãe, and Vergílio Ferreira.

Blending biography, literature, and memory, "Aparição" explored the great themes of the human condition: creativity, loss, friendship, love, and hope.

In its final moments, the characters of Portuguese literature took centre stage, reminding the audience that although their authors have passed away, they continue to live on through their books. Alberto Soares, the protagonist of Aparição by Vergílio Ferreira, brought the performance to a symbolic close, evoking the idea that each of us is "a book yet to be written."

Luís Osório's performance concluded with a standing ovation and warm applause from the audience, marking the closing event of the 2026 edition of BABELL.