Theatricalizing Fernando Pessoa and his heteronyms: research, writing, rehearsal, and performance of The Last Seven Words of Fernando Pessoa

This document focuses on the playmaking process of The Last Seven Words of Fernando Pessoa, a theatre piece that examines identity through an imagined encounter of Portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa and his literary concept of heteronyms. The process includes two years of research, workshops, various collaborations, several drafts, and seven weeks of rehearsal. This ensemble piece weaves text, movement, and music together to present Pessoa’s life of multiplicity. The creative process employed a mixed method (hybrid) of traditional script creation, devising, and a de-hierarchization of performance modes. The play questions traditional staging in order to engage an audience.