The Duke of Parma Project Showcased at the AVTIA Transnational Meeting
Prof. Enrico Martines presented the Duke of Parma research project and its spin-off initiatives at the AVTIA Transnational Meeting in Târgu Mureş, highlighting it as a model of best practice in international research.
As part of the Transnational Project Meeting for the AVTIA project (Audiovisual Translation for Inclusion and Accessibility, Erasmus+ Project 2024–2026), held at the G.E. Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology in Târgu Mureş, Romania, on 26–27 March 2026, Prof. Enrico Martines was invited as a Guest Lecturer to present the workshop “Best Practices in Research Projects: Fernando Pessoa’s The Duke of Parma.”
The coordinator of the project “Fernando Pessoa’s The Duke of Parma: An Unpublished Shakespearean Tragedy” presented the project’s characteristics, its origins and rationale, its structure, the research team, the objectives, the methodologies, and the results achieved. He also referred to two spin-off projects arising from the main one.
The first, already underway, is “The Unveiling of Fernando Pessoa’s Literary Legacy: The Duke of Parma,” conducted at the University of Parma by Dr Carlotta Defenu under the supervision of Prof. Enrico Martines. The speaker focused on the process that led the project to secure a Horizon-MSCA grant.
The second is a proposal currently under evaluation by the Executive Committee of Parma European Youth Capital 2027, having already passed an initial review stage. The project, “The Duke of Parma: An Unpublished Play by Fernando Pessoa,” aims to adapt and stage the Portuguese author’s play. The adaptation will be based on the original manuscripts and will adhere to the dramaturgical guidelines provided by the author. These will be integrated with the critical and creative work of specialists in Pessoa, Portuguese literature, and dramaturgy. The aim is to produce a coherent, stage-worthy text that will introduce a virtually unknown work of great historical and literary value to both academic and non-academic audiences, whilst highlighting its cultural link with the city of Parma. In doing so, the project will engage a broad international audience, comprising citizens, foreign residents, and visitors to the city. This will promote both the city’s cultural heritage and the play inspired by it. The project will be carried out in collaboration with Correcto, an international theatre company made up of young professionals who have received specialist training in dramaturgy and theatre history.
The two spin-off projects will soon have their own dedicated section on the original project’s website.
Enrico Martines’ presentation at the AVTIA Meeting in Târgu Mureş highlighted the ongoing activities surrounding The Duke of Parma and was welcomed by academics from the partner universities in Lleida, Belgrade, and Timişoara as an example of best practice in the design and management of research projects.
