Problem

Cabíria Produções Artísticas is revisiting its mission to document and democratize intangible heritage in Rio de Janeiro. The challenge lies in translating memory-rich performances into accessible, shareable formats while preserving artistic integrity and community voices. This requires new workflows for documentation, training, and distribution that can scale beyond traditional theatre spaces.

Moreover, the organization faced administrative constraints and a need to engage peripheral communities more effectively. Without structured methodologies, valuable oral histories risked being fragmented or lost as productions move from local venues to online platforms. We sought a framework that would empower cultural agents to capture and re-create heritage with playfulness, rigor, and inclusivity. This case examines how we designed Memory Scripts: Veiled Heritage of Rio to address these gaps and broaden access across audiences.

Solution

We developed and piloted the re-cre-ação methodology—an approach blending academic research, performance practices, and action research. This included a 4-session workshop for 30 cultural agents from peripheral territories, focusing on narrative scripting, embodied exploration, and accessibility considerations. The program produced tangible outputs: participant scripts, an accessible e-book, and a 40-minute video register with subtitles and audio description.

To ensure lasting impact, we created an adaptable training toolkit and a dissemination plan that distributes resources online for free. The toolkit documents processes, provides checklists for inclusion, and codifies methods for evaluating memory projects in diverse communities. The aim is to enable ongoing replication by other organizations while preserving Cabíria’s artistic identity. The project aligns with our focus on memory, accessibility, and cultural education through participatory practice.

Impact

X% increase in participant engagement across peripheral territories
Y% improvement in accessibility metrics (subtitles, audio description, etc.)
Z% reduction in project delivery time from workshop to online release

Quote of how incredible of an impact this had.

Team

Antonio Tostes - PhD in Social Memory; method creator
- Oversaw the adaptation of the re-cre-ação methodology for community workshops
- Co-authored the accessible e-book and video-register plan
Isaac Bernat - Artistic Coordinator
- Led creative direction and liaised with cultural agents
- Delivered workshop curricula and narrative scripting framework

Re-creating Rio Intangible Heritage